In a bid to meet up with the deadline given to the National Association of Proprietors of Private schools (NAPPS) Rivers State by the Commissioner of Education, Prof. Kainye Ebeku to comply with guidelines on regulations and approval of schools in the state, the President of NAPPS Rivers State, Chief Victor A. D Green has called for extension of time for his members to meet up the challenges.
The president made the plea on behalf of members in an emergency meeting held over the weekend at People Club, Port Harcourt.
The President described the ultimatum as in tandem with educational regulation and guidelines and not as a witch-hunt noting that the ultimatum has done a lot of good things to the association as most members have continue to seek for ways to remedy their lapses despite the prevailing economic situation in the country.
Chief Green said as partners in education their role as NAPPS is complimentary to that of government saying that move schools will be approved after the period of grace given to them.
“More schools will be approved by this present administration because it was part of our candid request, as the past administrations did not do anything about that”, he said.
The president explained that during their visit to the Hon. Commissioner for Education, he assured them that the ministry will at the standard of the various private schools and the infrastructure with a view of approving new ones.
Chief Green further maintained that their meeting with the commissioner was fruitful and successful as the commissioner gave a period of 3 weeks for inspection/approval that he will clampdown on those who refuse to comply while the president used the opportunity to appeal to owners of private schools to join the only recognize body in the state.
NAAPS has stated that they are ready to work with the commissioner but he should extend the time. On the issue of those who may not get the necessary guidelines like playground and 4 plots of land, the president said the way out is a merger or partnership since the commissioner has also suggested for that.
Answering questions on whether they get loans from Banks, Chief Green said is an individual race as many banks as disappointed them in the past.
Also speaking, the Vice President of NAPPS Dr. Tekena R. Dosunmu said the ultimatum is welcome development, even as money is involve schools should start the process saying that the benefit of working together is important than been alone since some conditions can be relax.
Earlier, the president has stated that the ultimatum is part of their oversight function while advising members to take the window of opportunity given to them to get their schools approval while new one should come for registration. ###
Pius Dukor
