Education leaders are calling for immediate policy reforms to address the rising operational expenses of private schools. Yomi Otubela, President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), addressed the economic challenges exacerbated by inflation.
On Sunday, September 8, Otubela stressed that prompt policy actions are essential to subsidize teaching resources and lower taxes on educational supplies. He suggested that these measures should include concessionary loan rates for private school proprietors.
Furthermore, Otubela advocated for collaborative efforts to improve technological access in schools, aiming to boost educational quality and support for students.
“We believe that considerable support grants from governments to private schools will place more private schools in good stead to reduce the over 18 million out-of-school children in Nigeria,” he added.
Otubela pointed out that many member schools are adopting adaptable payment schemes and engaging with parents to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder any student’s access to education.
He also mentioned that NAPPS is focused on maintaining a delicate equilibrium between delivering excellent educational standards and being mindful of the ongoing economic challenges.
“We hope the government will increase funding for teacher training programmes and offer financial incentives for schools to improve infrastructure,” Otubela said.
“This partnership will not only ease the burden on private schools but also ensure that Nigerian students, regardless of their background, receive a world-class education.”
A parent revealed that he has been working harder to manage the extra amount added to his children’s school fees.
Conversely, another parent indicated that the rise in fees has made it financially unfeasible for her, forcing her to look into alternative schools for her children.
“The school authority sent us notice during the holiday attributing the reason to the state of the economy.
“My husband and I have resolved to enrol them in another school because we cannot afford the new fee. From N65,500 each to N95,500, even though prices of stationaries have gone up,” she said.
