Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu has dismissed claims of a shortage of vacancies for students under the 2026 Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
He stressed that the main challenge is the high demand for preferred Category A schools.
Speaking exclusively to Roland Walker on TV3 News Day’s The Big Issue, Friday, September 11, the Minister said government has declared more than 850,000 vacancies, and every qualified student is guaranteed admission to a secondary school under Category A, B or C.
“It is not even a question of no vacancies. Let me assure you that we have declared over 850,000 and every qualified student is eligible to be admitted into a secondary school of a sort, either Category A, B or C,” he said.
He said the difficulty arises when students and parents reject available placements because they want specific schools, particularly those classified as Category A.
“The crisis is a matter of choice. In that, I don’t want this school, I don’t want that school, I want a Category A school,” Mr Iddrisu explained.
The Minister acknowledged the frustration being experienced by students and parents during the placement process but warned against individuals exploiting the situation to demand money for school placements.
“I can imagine the frustration on the faces of students and parents,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu urged any parent who is asked to pay money in exchange for placement to report the matter to the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
“I have been investigating and let me say that any parent who is being asked to pay money for placement must report that telephone number of the person taking that money to the Police CID for investigations,” he said.
He further assured the public that the government would take firm action against individuals found to be selling placement opportunities.
“If you have evidence, share it with us. We will deal ruthlessly and decisively with any person selling placement,” Mr Iddrisu warned.
