The Katsina State Government says it has not banned the use of WhatsApp and other social media platforms by staff of secondary schools in the state, IgbereTV reports.
A widely circulated memo had informed principals to direct the closure of school WhatsApp groups.
However, a statement issued on Wednesday, December 9, by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media said the memo was in respect of a particular zone of the Ministry of Education.
“The attention of the state government has been drawn to a widely circulated memo, especially on the Social Media, banning the use of WhatsApp groups by staff of secondary schools,” the statement reads.
“The memo in reference was in respect of a particular zone of the Ministry of Education and was aimed at addressing some administrative infringements.
“However, the state ministry of education has issued a clarification on the said memo in circulation.
“On its part, the state government under the able leadership of Governor Aminu Bello Masari has, at no time, bans or restricts the use of any Social Media platform by anybody or group as that will amount to trampling on the fundamental rights of the people.” the statement added.
In the clarification, the State Ministry of Education said the abolishment of WhatsApp groups in that particular zone is miscontrued.
“It is aimed to curtail insurbodination between school authority and staffers. However, we wish to make it emphatically clear that staff will be held responsible for whatever he or she writes on social media platforms.” the letter reads.
