The Katsina State Government has banned the use of WhatsApp groups as a form of communication among teachers and students in its schools.

In what could be considered as social media clampdown, the state also banned their civil servants from using Facebook to comment on government activities, either positively or negatively.

The circular, MOE/ZDKT/ADG/VOL.1, came from the Zonal Education Quality Assurance of the Katsina State Ministry of Education and was sent to all heads and principals of public schools in the state.

Dated December 7 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.”