NAPPS faults states over non-state schools policy

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has expressed concern over state governments' failure to domesticate the National Policy on Non-State Schools, launched one year ago. NAPPS President Yomi Otubela stated that political commitment is slow, hindering the policy's goal of improving education quality and accessibility.

The policy, launched on July 16, 2025, aims to regulate and support non-state schools, which play a crucial role in expanding education access. Otubela emphasized that state governments must take deliberate steps to adopt and implement the policy, as it falls under the Concurrent Legislative List. The Director of Programme Quality and Influencing at Plan International, Helen Idiong, echoed these concerns, stating that slow implementation is due to competing priorities and weak political will at the state level.

She urged states to develop clear implementation roadmaps and strengthen stakeholder engagement. However, barriers to implementation include weak state ownership, inadequate capacity, limited awareness, and mistrust between governments and non-state school operators. To overcome these challenges, NAPPS urges states to adopt a partnership approach, enhance quality assurance institutions, and provide support for education improvement.