The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has called on the federal government to include students in private institutions as beneficiaries of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Speaking at NAPPS’ 17th Annual National Conference in Abuja, the Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, Mijinwa Said, highlighted the growing challenges facing private schools amid economic difficulties, including reduced enrollment due to rising fees.
“When the federal government gives loans to students, every child of this country is entitled to it because the money in question is Nigeria’s money. It includes the money of the parents of the same children we are talking about. Therefore, limiting the loans to just public schools is not enough,” Said stated. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a “very excellent father,” to ensure the loan scheme is extended to all Nigerian students.
NELFUND, the federal government’s student loan initiative, currently caters exclusively to students in public institutions, leaving private school students without access to this critical financial support.
Said, a former national president of NAPPS, noted that the private education sector, which fills gaps in the country’s education system, faces additional hurdles due to heavy taxes. “We are all aware education is tax-free. But unfortunately, in this part of the world, proprietors are facing challenges of multiple taxation,” he lamented.
NAPPS National President, Dr. Semira Jibri, added that the conference theme, *“Embracing Transformational Education: Pathways Amidst Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous Environments,”* underscores the need for systemic changes in the sector. “The education industry is experiencing unprecedented change, and our role as school leaders is continuously shaped by forces beyond our control,” she remarked.
The proprietors emphasized that extending NELFUND to private school students is critical to addressing dropout rates and ensuring inclusive access to education amidst Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
