There were 313,000 applications for Category A schools – Education Minister

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced that between 313,000 and 328,000 students applied for Category A Senior High Schools (SHSs), while there are only about 76,000 available places. This overwhelming demand underscores the intense competition for these highly sought-after schools. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mr. Iddrisu highlighted the ongoing concerns surrounding the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

Out of the applicants, 55,000 have yet to secure placements, raising concerns among parents and students about their prospects of admission.

The minister acknowledged the challenges, but stated that the scale of the problem had been overstated. He emphasized his commitment to addressing the root causes rather than merely managing the immediate backlog. According to Mr. Iddrisu, 604,000 students are currently on the placement system, with 527,000 already placed, representing approximately 87% of students.

He assured that there are still vacancies in the school system, although they may not align with the preferences of students and their parents, as they strive for quality education.

The minister also introduced a change to the CSSPS, requiring students to wait until their examination results are officially declared before applying for schools. This new approach allows candidates to make their choices based on their academic performance, enabling a more realistic alignment between their academic standing, school preferences, and available places.

Despite the challenges, Mr. Iddrisu maintained that the government's priority is to tackle the underlying issues rather than merely managing the immediate situation.