The President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Abayomi Otubela, has hinted that there will be an increase in school fees and the suspension of bus services.
Otubela stated this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the NAPPS National Secretariat, Conference Centre, and Apartment in Bwari, Abuja, where he advised parents to look for alternative means of transporting their wards to school.
Otubela said, “Undoubtedly, this is a challenging time for all, touching every sector of the economy, with private schools not exempt.” In response to these challenges, we came together as an association, reasoned, and sought the contributions of experts regarding the situation. We realized 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 costs.” We also agreed that we would focus only on core curricular activities that could have 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 the transportation costs of teachers and other staff.”
Otubela said an increase in teachers’ salaries and other staff was inevitable but could not be implemented without a corresponding increase in school fees and other services.
He said parents and guardians should be prepared to pay more.
“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 rate.
“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 needed support.
“Unknown to many people, many of the private schools are running at a loss, while many are running as charity organizations,” he stated.
