The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has expressed growing concern about the increasing number of parents withdrawing their children from private schools due to the financial strain caused by the current economic challenges.
Nigeria has been grappling with hyperinflation and economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and other policies implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. These economic conditions have made it difficult for many families to cope with the rising cost of living, prompting some Nigerians to engage in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
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Last week, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Organised Private Sector called for the reversal of the new fuel price regime, citing its contribution to the worsening economic hardship.
In response to the financial struggles, private school owners revealed that many parents can no longer afford school fees, resulting in student withdrawals. NAPPS members have been trying to mitigate the situation by negotiating payment plans or offering discounts to retain students.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, NAPPS President Dr. Samira Jibir explained that the economic crisis is affecting everyone, including school proprietors and teachers. “Everybody is affected by the economic hardship. You can’t force parents to continue having their children in a school they couldn’t afford. Sometimes, we are forced to reach a compromise to retain the children,” she said.
Dr. Jibir added that some schools have had to discontinue transportation services due to the surge in fuel prices, while others have introduced extra charges to cover the increased costs, in cooperation with parents. “In any case, we cannot stop any parent from withdrawing his/her kids. We can only hope things get better,” she concluded.
Ruth Agboola, Chairman of NAPPS, Federal Capital Territory chapter, echoed similar concerns, noting that the hardship extends beyond parents to affect schools and staff. According to her, some teachers are resigning to pursue other opportunities, including petty trading, in light of the economic situation.
“It is affecting people everywhere. But in our schools, only a few parents have withdrawn to lesser-paying schools, based on what they can afford,” Agboola said. “Again, we have also witnessed situations where some teachers prefer to go into petty trading. I have seen one who said she would rather sell akara than continue as a teacher because of the situation of things.”
