Social Media Regulation Begins in Northern Nigeria

The Katsina State Government has kick started the much talked about regulation of social media as it ordered schools in the state to desist from patronising social media platforms henceforth.

The order is which also affects civil servants in the state, forbids schools from using popular Facebook owned Whatsapps to disseminate information.

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In a memo issued to all schools in the state, the Ministry of Education instructs principals of government schools to close down all existing Whatsapp groups in their respective schools.

The government has also ordered civil servants to avoid using Facebook and other social media platforms to comment on government activities, whether positively or negatively.

The circular dated December u 2020, and obtained by Daily Report Nigeria was sent to headmasters and principals of all public schools in the state by the Zonal Education Quality Assurance of the Katsina State Ministry of Education.

The circular referenced MOE/ZDKT/ADG/VOL.1 and titled, “Abolishing of Whatsapp group in our schools” was signed by one Muhammad Sada Dikko, for the Zonal Coordinator.

It reads, “I am directed to write and inform all the principals to direct the various Group Admin in their respective schools to wipe out the so-called school Whatsapp. The abolishing of this group becomes necessary due to the multiple postings being made, which create problems and insubordination between the school authority and its staff.

“Principals should also remind their staff about the government circular that prohibits any civil servant from commenting positively or negatively on government activities on Facebook or Whatsapp.”

The federal government of Nigeria has persistently made vocal it’s intention to clampdown on social media in recent times, a move the North has always supported.