In a statement signed by its chairman, Mr. Wale Ojewumi, the association stressed that private schools should not be seen as competitors to public schools but as critical partners working toward the common goal of expanding access to quality education.
“Private schools have been steadfast partners in shaping the future of Nigeria, and we remain committed to the vision of a prosperous and educated nation,” Ojewumi said. “We are not in competition with public schools but rather complement their efforts, filling critical gaps where public resources are stretched.”
Mounting Challenges
Despite these contributions, private schools continue to face steep hurdles, including multiple taxation, heavy levies, limited access to funding, and neglect in government policy frameworks. Ojewumi cautioned that unless urgent interventions are made, the viability of many schools will be at risk, jeopardising both children’s education and the livelihoods of thousands of teachers and school workers.
Call for Policy Reforms
The NAPPS chairman urged governments at all levels to:
- Reduce the taxation burden on private schools.
- Expand access to affordable funding and training opportunities for teachers and administrators.
- Strengthen collaboration in technology adoption, curriculum development, and school security.
He argued that fostering partnership rather than competition between public and private schools would create a stronger education ecosystem, ensuring that every Nigerian child has the chance to succeed.
Education as National Investment
Ojewumi further appealed to policymakers and stakeholders to adopt a broader view of education as a shared national priority.
“Every investment in education, whether public or private, is an investment in the peace, prosperity, and unity of the country,” he said.
The statement comes amid wider debates over the financing of education in Nigeria, where public schools face infrastructure gaps and private schools struggle under regulatory and financial pressures.