As Nigeria celebrates its 64th independence anniversary, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has proposed strategies to transform the challenges facing the nation’s education sector into opportunities for growth and improvement.
The association emphasised the need for the government to prioritise education funding, ensuring that both public and private schools are adequately equipped to provide quality learning environments. This includes investing in modern infrastructure, digital tools, and resources to enhance the teaching and learning experience.
In a statement marking the 2024 independence anniversary, the National President and Secretary of the association, Chief Yomi Otubela and Comrade Ajibade Augustine, respectively, emphasised the urgent need to address the welfare of teachers, particularly those in public schools, noting that the government could enhance teachers' motivation and commitment by offering better incentives and providing more opportunities for professional development.
The statement highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and private education providers in tackling systemic challenges. “Private schools have played a pivotal role in driving innovation and maintaining high standards,” the duo remarked, urging for more formal partnerships to harness these strengths.
To align education with national development goals, NAPPS called for a stronger emphasis on vocational and technical training to equip students with practical skills that can directly contribute to economic growth. This, they stated, would help reduce unemployment and promote entrepreneurship.
Additionally, the association urged the government to establish a framework for resolving industrial disputes in the education sector to prevent strikes from disrupting learning. “A proactive approach is needed to address the concerns of educational unions, particularly regarding remuneration and working conditions,” NAPPS stated.
According to NAPPS, President Bola Tinubu's first year in office has seen some efforts to improve the education sector, though progress remains slow.
The association acknowledged the introduction of the Student Loan Act in June 2023, which provides interest-free loans to students from low-income families in public tertiary institutions. While the initiative was praised as a step towards increasing access to higher education, the association noted its limitations, particularly the exclusion of private university students, which weakens the overall impact of the policy given the significant role private institutions play in Nigeria’s education landscape.
NAPPS also expressed concern over the persistent issue of out-of-school children, with over 20 million Nigerian children still not enrolled in formal education. It attributed this to ongoing security challenges, especially in northern Nigeria, where banditry and insurgency have forced many children out of school.
Also, the rising cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidies, according to the association, has further strained families' ability to afford education; noting that while the government has made efforts to improve school infrastructure, the pace of development remains too slow to address the urgent needs of rural and marginalised communities.
Evaluating the education sector since independence in 1960, NAPPS acknowledged that successive governments have introduced key policies aimed at ensuring every Nigerian child receives basic education. However, it highlighted persistent challenges such as poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a disconnect between educational outcomes and labor market demands, which have hindered the full realisation of these policies' objectives.
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