Thousands of Katsina Health Students in Limbo Following Closure of Private Training Institutions
By Salisu Hassan, Ph.D | Abdullahi Aminchi Road, Funtua | salisu2015.sh@gmail.com
Since October 2024, thousands of students enrolled in private health training institutions across Katsina State have remained stranded following the state government’s decision to shut down all such schools. The indefinite closure, part of a sector-wide sanitisation effort, has cast uncertainty over the academic future of many students who have invested significant time and resources into their education.
The sweeping action followed investigations by the Katsina State Ministry of Health, which revealed that many private health institutions were operating without proper registration and had failed to meet legal and professional standards. Consequently, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda ordered the immediate closure of all private health training institutions pending further assessment.
On November 14, 2024, the state government announced that only 8 out of the 32 affected institutions had met the criteria for continued operation. The remaining institutions were directed to implement improvements. However, nearly eight months later, no clear timeline has been provided for reassessment and reopening, leaving students in academic limbo.
The impact has been particularly severe in the Funtua and Daura zones. In the entire Funtua area, only one institution was cleared to resume operations, leaving hundreds of students in that zone without access to ongoing training.
In a public appeal to Governor Radda and relevant authorities, stakeholders have called for urgent measures to address the growing concerns of affected students. Key recommendations include:
Prioritising Student Welfare: While reforms are necessary, the government is urged to urgently address the needs of stranded students who have effectively lost an entire academic session.
Reopening Improved Institutions: Private institutions that have rectified previously identified deficiencies should be re-evaluated and allowed to resume operations without further delay.
Introducing Grading and Accreditation Levels: A tiered accreditation system is suggested to classify institutions based on their level of compliance and course offerings, allowing for more nuanced regulation.
Supporting Struggling Institutions: Instead of complete shutdowns, the government is encouraged to partner with underperforming institutions—particularly those in underserved areas—to help them meet minimum standards.
Stakeholders argue that the future of Katsina’s healthcare sector depends heavily on the availability of well-trained health professionals. They stress the importance of striking a balance between regulatory enforcement and safeguarding the educational rights of students who aspire to serve in the health sector.
