Economic Struggles Push Parents to Public Schools as Private School Owners Seek Alternatives, NAPPS Reports

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has raised concerns about school closures and student withdrawals due to the economic hardship in Nigeria

Rising economic hardship is forcing many parents to shift their children from private to public schools, as they seek to manage the escalating costs of education and transportation. The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has expressed serious concerns, pointing out that this trend is leading to widespread closures of private schools across the country. The association urges the government to step in to address the growing crisis.

School Closures Amid Economic Challenges:

The economic hardship forcing school changes has impacted not only low-cost private schools but also more prominent institutions. According to Kayode Adeyemi, the National General Secretary of NAPPS, many school owners are struggling to maintain operations due to low enrollment and rising costs. As a result, some proprietors have had to pivot to other ventures, including transportation businesses, to survive.

Parents Opting for Public Schools:

Parents are making difficult decisions, as the economic hardship forcing school changes means they are increasingly turning to public or medium-scale schools to ease the burden of tuition and transportation. With many unable to afford private school fees, especially those owed since 2023, they are left with no option but to withdraw their children from private institutions.

Government Action Needed:

As private schools continue to close and more students are funneled into already overburdened public schools, the economic hardship forcing school changes is placing additional pressure on the education system. Adeyemi highlights that public schools lack the capacity and infrastructure to accommodate the influx, making it crucial for the government to intervene.

Teachers and School Owners Struggling:

The economic hardship forcing school changes is not only affecting parents but also teachers and school proprietors. Many teachers have resorted to taking on extra jobs, including private coaching, selling second-hand goods, or even becoming commercial motorcycle riders to make ends meet.

Conclusion:

The current economic climate has severely affected Nigeria’s educational landscape, with both parents and school owners grappling with difficult choices. The economic hardship forcing school changes calls for urgent government intervention to prevent further school closures and ensure that quality education remains accessible to all children in the country.