The Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) has issued guidelines that schools in the state must follow.

The guidelines impose restrictions on graduation ceremonies, sign-out culture, and fee increments.

In a statement, Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, Director-General (KSSQAA), said the guidelines are in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) - ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and in fulfilment of its mandate to uphold educational standards while safeguarding the interests of all key education stakeholders, including proprietors, administrators, learners, parents, guardians, and the wider community.

See guidelines below.

Graduation Ceremonies: It has been observed that some schools organise graduation ceremonies for every class level and compel parents/guardians to bear the costs. This practice undermines government's efforts to reduce the cost of education and improve access for all children. Going forward, graduation ceremonies shall be limited strictly to:
Completion of Basic 9 Education (JSS 3)
Completion of Senior Secondary Education (SS3/SSCE)

In all cases, participation or payment for such events must not be made compulsory. If compulsory payment is proposed, schools must seek clearance from KSSQAA at least 4 weeks before the event, with evidence of PTA consent - based on meeting(s) with quorum (21/3).

Unruly Sign-Out Culture: The growing trend of indecent, unruly, and unsafe conduct by
students during "sign-out" activities at the end of their final examinations has become a source of concern. Such practices are hereby banned, and school managements are directed to enforce full compliance with this directive. Schools are expected to provide well-supervised alternatives such as farewell assemblies, talent exhibitions, mentorship handover sessions, or other structured activities that allow students to celebrate in a safe, dignified, and meaningful manner.

Consumable Textbooks: The practice of producing textbooks with built-in worksheets or answer spaces, which prevents their reuse by subsequent learners, imposes unnecessary financial hardship on parents and leads to avoidable waste. With effect from 1st September 2026, all publishers are hereby directed to provide separate optional workbooks for individualised exercises, while the main textbooks shall remain reusable. School management is to ensure strict compliance by only procuring and recommending reusable textbooks.

Increase of School Fees: No school proprietor may increase fees or upgrade their institution without written approval from KSSQAA. Approval requires: PTA agreement with quorum, a formal application stating reasons, enrolment data, current and proposed fees, and attached PTA minutes/attendance, etc. Any unauthorised increment will attract strict sanctions.

The KSSQAA remains committed to ensuring that quality education is accessible and affordable in Kaduna State. All schools are therefore directed to comply fully with these guidelines.

ASA