In a move that has left headteachers scratching their heads, the Ministry of Education has barred Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) from securing bank loans to fund infrastructure development.

The directive comes at a critical time when schools are grappling with the influx of Grade 9 learners and a severe shortage of classrooms and laboratories. The government argues that public schools lack the collateral (title deeds) to secure commercial loans and that debt burden would ultimately fall on parents.

The Funding Gap

With capitation funds often delayed, schools have historically relied on credit to bridge gaps. This ban effectively cuts off that lifeline.

• Infrastructure Crisis: Many JSS institutions are operating in makeshift structures. Without access to credit, heads warn that quality will suffer.
• Government Stance: The Ministry insists that infrastructure is a government responsibility and has promised to release development funds. However, the track record on timely disbursement is poor.
• School Heads' Dilemma: "We are told to build labs, but given no money and banned from borrowing," lamented one principal. "It is a catch-22."

What Next?

The directive forces schools to rely entirely on the exchequer and potential CDF allocations. Unless the Treasury accelerates disbursements, the transition to the next CBC level risks being compromised by a lack of physical facilities.