NAPPS addresses anomalies among member schools, sets up disciplinary committee

National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has urged its members to strictly adhere to government policies in its day-to-day operations, so as to be seen as worthy partners in the education of the Nigerian child.

President of the group, Alhaji Wasiu Adumadeyin, while interacting with newsmen during the association’s Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Ikorodu, lamented that some members do not abide by government’s rules and standard in the discharge of their duties.

Some of the issues addressed include inadequate teachers and regular training, double promotion, unethical acts, deployment of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning as well as tax evasion.

Adumadeyin who also used the occasion to list some achievements recorded by his leadership in the last six months said the association supports government policies, and would continually be partners in progress in the delivery of basic education.

He said, “We are aware of some of the challenges in our member schools. We know the importance of regular training and retraining of teachers. So through our seminars, we encourage our members to enrich their teachers’ knowledge and equip them with the necessary tools needed to transfer knowledge. Part of our plan is to ensure quality teaching and learning across board.

“With the recognition government has given us, we are already in conversation with the state deputy governor. Our stand is that teacher education should be emphasised. Government should enact a policy that will encourage people to take up those abandoned courses in education. On nine-year basic education, we support government’s policy, we are part of it, but unfortunately we still have some of our members that are not adhering strictly to the laid down rules.

“It has often been stressed that if this children are allowed to spend the required period in schools, the parents not only benefits but the society as well. Academic ability is not enough to promote pupils to the next class, which is why we are having all the delinquencies. Children are not emotionally and psychologically matured, most times parents are the ones pressurising schools to promote their children because they felt he/she is brilliant enough to go to the next class. Or they want their child to enter university at 14, graduates at 18 and start bringing money at 22.”

Assuring that the group is working towards ensuring provision of 21st century education, Adumadeyin, said NAPPS is partnering ICT consultants while proprietors are being trained on the latest development in IT industry in the interest of pupils.