By Kachy Madukaego
Private schools proprietors, under the aegis of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS, have described insecurity and increasing taxes by the government as top challenges facing private schools owners in Imo State.
The immediate past State Chairman of the Association, Pastor Chris Ineh, made the revelation at the 2022 NAPPS Day celebration held on Wednesday, 12th October 2022 in Owerri.
He urged the state government to take private schools operators as partners in the development of education sector, rather than giving them heavy taxes.
The Chairman of the event, Dr. Smart Obinna Unegbu, in his speech noted that insecurity facing the State and the country in general, posed a serious threat to the education industry in Nigeria.
“Private schools are helping a lot in the industry. It requires passion to be able to run a private school. It’s a service to humanity, not a profit making business.
He said “There is also need for private schools proprietors to invest more in the security of their students, either to synergize with their local community security personnels, or perimeter fencing, investment in CCTV installation and engagement in safety and security discussion with stakeholders”
The Imo State Chairman of the Association, Hon. Theo Mbakwe in his address said the theme of the event “Changing role of private schools in providing safe learning environment” cannot be over emphasized at this period, stressing that NAPPS, has shown capacity in sustaining millennium development goal in education.
Barr. Mrs Chioma Ibeh, Permanent Secretary, Imo State Ministry of Education, who represented the State Commissioner For Education, Prof. Sylvester Okorondu commended the association for their commitment in promoting learning and education, adding that the present administration has great interest in education development in the state.
A former labour party gubernatorial candidate in the State, Barr. Ngozi Olehi, who was honoured with “human rights service” award, advised the association to develop a unique curricular that will be standardized among all the private schools to help students to become job creators after their graduation.