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.
Flanked by Mrs. Ngozi Egbeasor, NAPPS Treasurer,, the LGA Chairman, said: “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.
Hear him: “We are here in response to a notice we saw online issued by one of our Commissioners, the Honourable Commissioner for Primary School Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibugwu.
“There was a publication giving an ultimatum of 21 days to unregistered primary schools to put their environments in order and obtain approval, or else have their schools shut down.
“We are here to commend this policy. We are also here to express our satisfaction with this and other policies that have emanated from his office.
“We encourage him to keep up the good work; he is one of the best Commissioners in His Excellency’s cabinet, and we are very pleased with his performance in our ministry.
“We would also like to use this opportunity to advise on how this policy can be effectively implemented at the grassroots level.
“Sometimes, when government introduces good policies like this, some individuals in the field offices at the local government levels frustrate their implementation.
“What we mean is that instead of enforcing the policies as intended, some officials turn them into money-making ventures.
“They conceal unapproved schools, collect money from them under the guise of administrative charges, and then feed false information to the government.
*We are informing the government that this policy is a welcome development by NAPPS. For it to be fully and fairly implemented at the grassroots, there is a need for the government to set up a committee that will work in collaboration with NAPPS.
“We are the ones on the field; we know where these schools are, and we can help identify them to ensure that the right thing is done.
“In fact, the Commissioner has shown great consideration by not ordering an immediate shutdown, but instead giving schools the opportunity to put their facilities in order and obtain approval. That is a very commendable approach.
“Personally, I see no reason why some private schools have been operating for six, seven, or even eight years without government approval. We know many such schools.
“They do not bother to get approval and join those of us who are duly registered and pay taxes to the government. Instead, they pay secret administrative fees to certain officials, which is unacceptable and condemnable.
“They should seek approval, join us, and contribute to the government’s efforts by paying taxes. The government needs funds to provide development for the masses, and we are committed to paying our taxes to support this.
“We are saying clearly that these schools cannot continue operating illegally. They are cheating the system: taking their own profits, depriving the government of revenue, and bribing officials who are supposed to supervise them. This must stop.
“Therefore, we are urging the Commissioner to involve NAPPS in the implementation process. We can help identify these schools and ensure that, in fairness to all, they do the right thing by obtaining approval.
“This approach will ensure that no one can accuse NAPPS of witch-hunting any school. We only want all private schools to operate legitimately, fulfilling their civic responsibilities like the rest of us.
“It is unfair for some schools, which pay taxes and comply with regulations, to have to compete with illegal schools that bypass the system through corrupt practices.
“We insist that everyone must come out, do the right thing, and join the approved schools in operating legally and ethically.
“As a body, NAPPS can even initiate a campaign: “Get Approval or Shut Down.” If the government supports us in this, we can sanitize the private school sector.
“With strong enforcement, many schools will come forward for approval. Getting approval is not a difficult process.
“If you find that you cannot meet the required standards or your environment is not equipped enough, then you should not be gathering children in the first place.
“When an unfortunate incident occurs at such schools, it affects the reputation of all private schools, whether approved or unapproved*, he said.
