The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oshimili South chapter, has expressed strong support for the Delta State Government’s recent directive giving unregistered primary schools a 21-day ultimatum to regularize their operations or face closure.
The group also called for greater involvement in the implementation of the policy to ensure transparency and effectiveness at the grassroots level.
Addressing journalists on Monday April 28, 2025, in Asaba, the Chairman of NAPPS, Oshimili south chapter, Comrade Samson Ekene, commended the initiative, describing it as a necessary step towards sanitizing the private education sector.
NAPPS leadership lauded the Honourable Commissioner for Primary School Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibugwu, for issuing the notice.
“We are here to commend the Honourable Commissioner for this laudable policy and to inform him that we are fully in support of it,” Comrade Ekene stated.
“We have observed several positive policies from his office, and he stands out as one of the best Commissioners in the cabinet of His Excellency.”
While applauding the government’s considerate approach of granting a grace period for schools to meet required standards, the group raised concerns about potential sabotage at the local government level.
According to Ekene, past experiences have shown that some field officers turn such policies into money-making ventures, shielding non-compliant schools in exchange for unofficial payments and misreporting to the government.
He stressed that involving NAPPS in the implementation process would help curb such practices, as the association is well-positioned to identify unregistered schools and monitor compliance.
“For this policy to be successful at the grassroots, the government must collaborate with NAPPS. We are on the ground; we know the schools operating illegally, and we can help ensure the right steps are taken,” he said.
Comrade Ekene further criticized the longstanding issue of private schools operating for several years without government approval, accusing them of evading taxes and undermining properly registered institutions.
He described such practices as “condemnable” and detrimental to the credibility of the private education sector.
He proposed a proactive campaign titled “Get Approval or Shut Down,” urging the state government to support NAPPS in enforcing compliance.
“Getting approval is not difficult. If your environment and facilities are not up to standard, you have no business gathering children under unsafe conditions,” he added.
The group warned that failure to properly implement the new directive could continue to expose children to substandard education environments and unfair competition among schools, while tarnishing the image of legitimate private schools.
NAPPS reiterated its commitment to working with the government to raise educational standards and enhance the sector’s contribution to Delta State’s development.
