The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has applauded the government’s initiative to formalise alumni protocol in schools, describing it as “a step in the right direction".

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Thursday, April 2, Mr. Asare explained that while alumni protocols have historically existed in an informal capacity, structuring them through official protocols will enhance transparency and accountability.

"This is a step in the right direction. Normally, there is an allocation for alumni, but it has been informal. Making it structured and formal ensures that we can properly account for it in policy implementation,” he said.

He further highlighted the pivotal role of alumni in school development, noting that they are often the driving force behind infrastructure improvements.

“Alumni today are the ones investing in infrastructure in our schools, so it is important to incentivise their participation by formally recognising their role,” Mr. Asare added.

His comments come after the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, announced plans to introduce a dedicated protocol quarter within the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), designed to accommodate old student associations.

“Accordingly, a dedicated percentage will be given to alumni for the purpose of placement in their revised CSSPS programme. I pray that this will not be abused, just like the protocol is often abused,” he said.

Mr Iddrisu further announced that there would be a supervising technical working committee that would supervise the work of the CSSPS and, “then the restoration of a displacement algorithm to ensure fairness and placement of candidates who would have preferred school choices”.