The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has declared that the government is developing a strategy to elevate certain Category B senior high schools to Category A status as part of its efforts to tackle the nation’s school placement issues.
He stated that this initiative is designed to promote fairness and increase access for students who frequently find it difficult to secure admission into their desired Category A schools.
During the inauguration of the ADEA Triennale on Education Conference, Mr. Iddrisu elaborated that the ministry will require sufficient budgetary support to establish the necessary infrastructure in the chosen schools.
“The ministry recognizes that there is a considerable challenge when there are 76,000 vacancies, yet 393,000 qualified candidates wishing to occupy them. This situation is described as nearly impossible,” he remarked.
The minister also revealed that discussions with the President have already commenced regarding the execution of the plan in 2026.
“To enhance equity and capacity, the Minister has conferred with the President about a strategy for 2026 to transform at least 10 Category C schools into Category B, and 10 Category B schools into Category A. This transformation will be supported by infrastructure development, which includes available classroom facilities, dormitories for students, and quality enhancement through improved teaching and learning resources and aids.
“However, I will require budgetary support and allocation to achieve this,” he emphasized.
This announcement follows a petition submitted by the Coalition of Unpaid Teachers—comprising graduates from Colleges of Education and universities—regarding over 13 months of unpaid salaries.
After receiving the petition on Tuesday, September 30, Mr. Iddrisu assured the group that the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, would present a joint memorandum to Cabinet to address their issues.
