09/09/2026
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF A MEETING BETWEEN SOME REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROPRIETORS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS (NAPPS), IMO STATE CHAPTER, AND THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION, IMO STATE
Date: 7th of September, 2026.
Venue: Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Imo State
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PREAMBLE
A crucial consultative meeting was held between a delegation of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Imo State Chapter, led by Pastor Chris Ineh, and the Honourable Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha. The meeting focused on regulatory compliance, operational challenges, and the sustainable development of private education in Imo State.
Also present in the meeting were:
1. Dr. Mrs. B.C.A. Okorie (P/S. MoPSE)
2. Mrs D**e P. C. (Dir. UBEC. MoPSE)
3. Dr. Robinson Omorogiuwa (NAPPS)
4. Pastor Wale Osunyemi (NAPPS)
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KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED AND RESOLUTIONS
1. Textbook Selection and Price Control
· NAPPS members expressed strong reservations regarding recent directives on textbook selection and the proposed price-review committee. They affirmed that government intervention in textbook pricing is counterproductive, arguing that market forces—supply, demand, and fair competition—remain the most efficient and equitable mechanisms. They further stated that price controls distort the market and undermine the operational independence of private schools.
· The Commissioner’s Response: Prof. Ikegwuoha clarified that the decision to set up the textbook review committee was a collective one, reached in a previous meeting with all associations, including NAPPS. He expressed displeasure over public misrepresentations that portrayed the decision as unilateral. He reiterated his commitment to dialogue and superior argumentation, emphasising that had NAPPS raised their objections during that initial meeting, the matter would have been handled differently. He commended the delegation for now coming directly to him to air their concerns.
2. Role of Private Schools in the State’s Education System
· NAPPS underscored that private schools complement, rather than compete with, the government’s free education programme. They relieve the state of significant financial and logistical burdens by catering to families who seek alternatives. The Association maintained that subjecting private schools to restrictive price controls and book mandates undermines this complementary role.
· Resolution: The Commissioner took note of this position, and both parties agreed to maintain open channels for future policy consultations to avoid miscommunication.
3. Proposed Five-Year Revalidation Exercise
· NAPPS members opposed the Ministry’s proposed five-year revalidation exercise for private schools, noting that schools already pay annual licence renewal fees. They argued that the proposed revalidation would create unnecessary duplication and financial strain.
· Alternative Proposal: The Association recommended that the Ministry instead strengthen its Quality Assurance Department to conduct regular, robust monitoring and supervision. This, they argued, would ensure sustained compliance with standards and regulations more effectively than a periodic revalidation exercise.
4. Ministry’s Concerns on Quality Standards
· The Commissioner raised the Ministry’s concerns regarding:
· The proliferation of substandard “mushroom schools”;
· Poor and unhygienic school environments;
· The employment of secondary school certificate holders as teachers in some private schools.
· Resolution: Both parties agreed on the need for collaborative efforts to uplift standards. NAPPS pledged to work with the Ministry to sensitise their members on maintaining conducive learning environments and employing qualified teaching staff.
5. Commendation of Ministry’s Digitalisation Efforts
· NAPPS commended the Ministry for its ongoing digitalisation of education in Imo State, as well as the release of backlogged State Examination results and the prompt release of this year’s examination outcomes.
· Resolution: The Commissioner appreciated the recognition and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining these reforms.
6. NAPPS also agreed with the commissioner that there are only two schools in the state, the state schools and non state schools. All public schools are state owned schools, and others comprising of faith-based schools and corporate and individually owned schools are non state schools and are all called private schools. Both are under the Ministry of Education.
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CONCLUSION
The meeting ended on a constructive note, with both parties affirming their shared commitment to advancing quality education in Imo State. They resolved to prioritise direct engagement and fact-based dialogue in all future interactions, avoiding public controversies that could misrepresent their collective decisions.
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Signed:
Pastor Chris Ineh
Leader of Delegation, NAPPS, Imo State
Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha
Honourable Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Imo State
