NAPPS National Leadership Throws Full Weight Behind Imo Chapter Over Stifling of Private School Operations
TEC News| Abuja
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has thrown its full weight behind its Imo State Chapter in what it describes as an “unprecedented onslaught” of multiple levies and policies threatening the survival of private schools in the state.
In a detailed letter dated 3 September 2025, jointly signed by the National President, Dr. Samira Jibir, FNAE, and National Secretary, Dr. Kayode Adeyemi, NAPPS condemned what it called “blanket measures” rolled out by the Imo State Ministry of Education without proper consultation with stakeholders.
Addressed to the Imo State Chairperson, Dame Nkeiruka Happiness Uhegbu, PhD, the letter expressed “full support” for the state chapter’s stand against “stifling of private school operations” and warned that the policies and taxes being implemented could jeopardise the gains made by private education in Imo State and beyond.
“These practices do not only jeopardize the efforts of established educational institutions, but also diminish the quality of education available to Nigerian students,” the national leaders wrote. “They impose hefty financial burdens on proprietors, potentially leading to closures and a decrease in enrolment.”
The association noted that private schools play a “crucial role” in Nigeria’s educational landscape by providing diverse learning environments and contributing to human capital development. The new levies and regulations, it warned, run contrary to the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce the alarming number of out-of-school children.
NAPPS further urged the Imo State Government to adopt a dialogue-driven approach to policy making and to collaborate with key stakeholders rather than impose measures that could “have detrimental effects on schools, educators, students, and families.”
“We stand with you and the Imo NAPPS Chapter in your efforts to protect the interests of Private School Proprietors and the quality of education in the state,” the association assured, pledging its support to seek alternatives that prioritise the welfare of educators and learners alike.
Over recent months, private school proprietors in Imo have repeatedly raised alarm about the number and size of new levies and taxes imposed on them by state authorities. Many warn that unless these are reviewed, schools may be forced to close or hike tuition fees — a move that could further limit access to quality education for thousands of children.
Analysts say the national body’s intervention signals a toughening stance by private education stakeholders across Nigeria. With over 40,000 member schools nationwide, NAPPS is seen as the country’s strongest private education bloc. Its backing could give the Imo State Chapter greater leverage in negotiations with government and spur similar pushback in other states facing comparable challenges.
For now, all eyes are on how the Imo State Government responds to NAPPS’ call for constructive engagement. Stakeholders hope the show of solidarity from the national leadership will open the door to dialogue, fairer policies and a more sustainable environment for private education in the state.