The President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Chief Yomi Otubela, has called on the Federal Government to reconsider its decision regarding the closure of schools and engage stakeholders appropriately to determine specific guidelines to ensure safe re-opening of schools.
According to him, the Federal Government’s apparent posture on continued closure of schools in the country without the necessary palliatives for this strategic sub-sector is not only portraying the government as being insensitive, but can also be taken to mean a lack of concern for the investors, staff and stakeholders in the private education sub-sector.
He stated this in a telephone interview with our correspondent.
Otubela said, “We are of the opinion that the Federal Government cannot continue to shut down schools without providing the much needed palliatives to bail out the private education sub-sector, which seems to be on the brim of collapse due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are not denying the fact that with the arrival of the pandemic and the recognition of its virulence and mode of transmission, the closure of all educational institutions was not only apt but sensible by any government, worldwide.
“Moreover, the Federal Government’s action of safeguarding the public health through the lockdown obviously was the right step to contain the spread of the virus.”
He, however, said the Federal Government needed to be reminded of the impact the continued closure of schools could have on mental health of individuals, who earned their living from this subsector and also private school investors, whose multi-billion naira investments in the sub-sector are presently under a threat of collapse.
He said, “The disruption of school academic activities as a result of the closure of these schools, arising from the COVID-19 Pandemic, is not only affecting the learning process of the children, but adversely affecting the schools’ finances.
“Furthermore, their capacity to support the students through online learning platform, meet their obligations to the staff, meet subsisting loan repayment obligations and maintain their facilities are adversely affected.
“The request for palliatives has become imperative, given the strategic position of the sector, which has not only been providing succour in meeting the educational needs of a significant number of Nigerian learners, but also employers of labour to a vast number of the Nigerian populace who work as teaching and non-teaching staff.
“This is in addition to a lot of jobs indirectly provided through services rendered by school contractors, suppliers among others.
“Moreover, government can take a cue from the support system of some countries like Germany, to cushion the effect of this pandemic on both their citizens and businesses.”
Otubela, however, added that the continued disregard for their appeal would leave them with no other option than to mobilise all their members and staff to move to all state houses and observe a sit out to press home their demands.
