NAPPS Warns Against Structural Changes to Secondary Education as Solution to Dropout Crisis

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools has cautioned the Federal Government against its proposed plan to replace the current secondary education model with a continuous six-year structure, arguing that such a change will not resolve Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.

In a formal statement, the association emphasized that there is no empirical evidence linking the current separation between Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School to rising dropout rates. They argued that the education crisis is driven by deep-seated socio-economic issues rather than administrative structure.

According to the association, factors such as poverty, insecurity, child labor, early marriage, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers remain the primary obstacles to student retention. They suggested that restructuring the system would offer only marginal improvements at best unless these foundational challenges are directly addressed.

NAPPS urged the government to conduct comprehensive research and engage in broad stakeholder consultations before finalizing any policy decisions. The association highlighted potential risks, noting that a merged system could inadvertently limit educational flexibility. They pointed out that the current structure allows students to pursue technical and vocational paths after junior secondary education, a pathway that could be restricted under a mandatory six-year model.

Furthermore, the association raised concerns regarding student safety, noting that the existing separation helps reduce bullying by keeping younger students separate from older cohorts.

Instead of systemic restructuring, the association advocated for a focus on improving teaching quality, enhancing teacher welfare, and expanding access to affordable education.