The Federal Government has unveiled the National Policy on Non-State Schools in Nigeria (NPNSN) and its accompanying Implementation Guidelines, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive to reform and expand access to quality education.
The official launch, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was presided over by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON.
The policy, he noted, is a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the broader National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). It is designed to enhance access, ensure equity, and improve the quality of education by leveraging the potential of non-state schools across Nigeria.
In his keynote address, Alausa emphasized the crucial role non-state schools play, particularly in providing education to underserved communities. He stated that the new policy provides a structured framework for infrastructure development, teacher standards, curriculum implementation, and accountability mechanisms.
He called for strengthened partnerships between government and private education providers to achieve shared national education goals.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) O. F. Olatunji-David, Director of Basic Education, described the policy as a progressive step forward in regulating non-state educational institutions. She stressed the need for collective action and stakeholder commitment to ensure successful implementation that would contribute to Nigeria’s long-term development.
Dr. Ronke Soyombo, Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), drew attention to the fact that more than 85% of teachers in non-state schools are currently unregistered. She explained that the new policy makes it mandatory for all teachers in non-state schools to be registered, certified, and licensed by TRCN, and assured that the council is streamlining its procedures to support compliance.
Also speaking at the launch, Aisha Garba, Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), hailed the policy as a timely initiative that aligns non-state educational institutions with national standards. She affirmed UBEC’s readiness to support inclusive and quality education through collaboration with private sector actors.
Offering an international perspective, Ian Attfield, Senior Education Adviser at the British Council, praised Nigeria’s commitment to reaching marginalized learners. He referenced prior UK-funded research that highlighted the proliferation of unregulated private schools and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s progress toward effective oversight and regulation, especially in urban centres.
The Ministry also acknowledged the technical and financial contributions of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (FCDO-PLANE), which supported the development of the new policy.
The launch was attended by several State Commissioners of Education who pledged their commitment to implementing the policy in their respective states.
The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its dedication to building a more inclusive, high-quality, and well-regulated education system, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in implementing this transformative policy.
For access to the full policy document and implementation guidelines, the public is directed to: https://education.gov.ng/national-policy-on-non-state-schools-in-nigeria-npnsn-with-its-implementation-guidelines/
