Onwura Chioma
Member
Private Schools Are Nation Builders, Not Just Businesses — NAPPS South-South President Tells Delta Govt at NAPPS Day 2026
Byline: Asaba, Delta State
The South-South President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Dr. Ochuko Akpeme, has declared that private schools remain the largest investors in education in Nigeria and critical drivers of national development.
Dr. Akpeme made this declaration on Monday, 12th October 2026, while delivering his keynote address at the NAPPS Day 2026, Delta State Chapter, held at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba.
Speaking on the theme: *“Private Schools and National Development: Investing in Quality Education for a Better Nigeria,”* Dr. Akpeme said no nation can develop beyond its educational standard, stressing that private schools have become indispensable to Nigeria’s education sector.
> “If all private schools shut down today, the educational system will collapse. This is the truth government must recognize,” he said.
*ASABA EVENT ATTRACTS TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL*
The event had as Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Chief Benson Obire, Member representing Warri South II Constituency, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Education.
Dr. Akpeme commended Hon. Obire for honouring the invitation, describing him as a true friend of private education, and thanked the Delta State Chapter of NAPPS for maintaining its pace-setter status in the South-South.
*5,000 SCHOOLS, 200,000 JOBS*
Giving statistics of the zone, the South-South President disclosed that the region has over 5,000 private schools providing education to millions of children and employing over 200,000 teachers and support staff.
According to him, private school proprietors have given access to education where government cannot reach and have continued to maintain quality and pay salaries despite economic hardship.
*COMPLAINTS: MULTIPLE TAXATION, EXCLUSION*
However, Dr. Akpeme lamented that despite these contributions, private schools are faced with multiple taxation, high cost of diesel and learning materials, and total exclusion from Federal and State intervention funds such as TETFund and UBEC.
> “We cannot be paying the taxes and not enjoying the benefits. This is unfair,” he lamented.
*FOUR-POINT APPEAL TO DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT*
Through Hon. Chief Benson Obire, the NAPPS South-South President made a four-point appeal to government:
1. Establishment of a Private School Support Fund with single-digit interest rate;
2. Harmonization of levies and an end to multiple taxation;
3. Inclusion of qualified private school teachers in state training, TRCN, and promotions;
4. Allocation of land for genuine private schools to build permanent sites.
“Private school is not a crime; it is a service to humanity,” he added.
*CHARGE TO PROPRIETORS*
Dr. Akpeme charged his fellow proprietors to return to classical education that builds character and learning, shun exam malpractice, pay and train teachers regularly, and remain united.
> “In unity, we have strength,” he said.
He concluded by declaring the NAPPS Day 2026 celebration open and prayed for the growth of NAPPS Delta State, the South-South Region and Nigeria.
*Present at the event were* the State Chairman, NAPPS Delta State and his Executive, all Zonal and LGA Chapter Chairmen, elders and leaders of NAPPS, proprietors and proprietresses, invited guests and members of the press.
Byline: Asaba, Delta State
The South-South President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Dr. Ochuko Akpeme, has declared that private schools remain the largest investors in education in Nigeria and critical drivers of national development.
Dr. Akpeme made this declaration on Monday, 12th October 2026, while delivering his keynote address at the NAPPS Day 2026, Delta State Chapter, held at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park, Asaba.
Speaking on the theme: *“Private Schools and National Development: Investing in Quality Education for a Better Nigeria,”* Dr. Akpeme said no nation can develop beyond its educational standard, stressing that private schools have become indispensable to Nigeria’s education sector.
> “If all private schools shut down today, the educational system will collapse. This is the truth government must recognize,” he said.
*ASABA EVENT ATTRACTS TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL*
The event had as Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Chief Benson Obire, Member representing Warri South II Constituency, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Education.
Dr. Akpeme commended Hon. Obire for honouring the invitation, describing him as a true friend of private education, and thanked the Delta State Chapter of NAPPS for maintaining its pace-setter status in the South-South.
*5,000 SCHOOLS, 200,000 JOBS*
Giving statistics of the zone, the South-South President disclosed that the region has over 5,000 private schools providing education to millions of children and employing over 200,000 teachers and support staff.
According to him, private school proprietors have given access to education where government cannot reach and have continued to maintain quality and pay salaries despite economic hardship.
*COMPLAINTS: MULTIPLE TAXATION, EXCLUSION*
However, Dr. Akpeme lamented that despite these contributions, private schools are faced with multiple taxation, high cost of diesel and learning materials, and total exclusion from Federal and State intervention funds such as TETFund and UBEC.
> “We cannot be paying the taxes and not enjoying the benefits. This is unfair,” he lamented.
*FOUR-POINT APPEAL TO DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT*
Through Hon. Chief Benson Obire, the NAPPS South-South President made a four-point appeal to government:
1. Establishment of a Private School Support Fund with single-digit interest rate;
2. Harmonization of levies and an end to multiple taxation;
3. Inclusion of qualified private school teachers in state training, TRCN, and promotions;
4. Allocation of land for genuine private schools to build permanent sites.
“Private school is not a crime; it is a service to humanity,” he added.
*CHARGE TO PROPRIETORS*
Dr. Akpeme charged his fellow proprietors to return to classical education that builds character and learning, shun exam malpractice, pay and train teachers regularly, and remain united.
> “In unity, we have strength,” he said.
He concluded by declaring the NAPPS Day 2026 celebration open and prayed for the growth of NAPPS Delta State, the South-South Region and Nigeria.
*Present at the event were* the State Chairman, NAPPS Delta State and his Executive, all Zonal and LGA Chapter Chairmen, elders and leaders of NAPPS, proprietors and proprietresses, invited guests and members of the press.