The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has informed parents of their decision to suspend school bus services nationwide and the tendency of increasing their wards’ tuition fees.
This was stated by the Union President, Abayomi Otubela who blamed the resolution on the removal of subsidy on petrol by the Tinubu-led Nigerian government.
Abayomi thereby advised parents to look for alternative means of transporting their wards to school while speaking to The PUNCH on the sidelines of the groundbreaking ceremony of NAPPS National Secretariat, Conference Centre and Apartment, in Bwari, Abuja.
Otubela was quoted by The PUNCH as saying: “Undoubtedly, this is a challenging time for all, touching every sector of the economy, private schools not exempted. In response to these challenges, we came together as an association reasoned and sought the contributions of experts regarding the situation. We realised that we needed to tighten our belts to remain afloat.
“We decided that there was a need to reduce some activities that are not directly necessary to academic activities to reduce cost. We also agreed that we will focus only on core curricular activities that can make an immediate impact. It was also agreed that some of our social activities that involve financial expenses would be reduced, while we consider the suggestions to get staff quarters within the school environment to reduce transportation cost of teachers and other staff.”
Otubela stated that while an increase in teacher and other staff remuneration is unavoidable, it cannot be done without a comparable rise in school fees and other services.
He continued: “Surely, parents would feel the impact of this decision. Many of our member schools have parked their school buses because of the huge cost of running them. Besides, it was never profitable. Parents would have to choose hostel facilities or find other means of bringing their children to school. But we are also looking at support from the government to secure a loan at a single-digit interest.
“We have suggested the establishment of an education bank where the government can make funds available for investors in the education sector to develop themselves and facilities,” he added.
The NAPPS President said private schools are in need of support.
“Unknown to many people, many of the private schools are running at a loss, while many are running as charity organisations,” he added.
