The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has announced its commitment to provide scholarships for 32 minors recently released from detention following their involvement in protests against poor governance in Nigeria. These minors, previously facing charges of treasonable felony along with other defendants in a Federal High Court in Abuja, were part of nationwide demonstrations against economic hardship that turned violent in several regions from August 1 to 10, 2024.
In a press conference held in Lagos, Alhaji Abdulmumuni Kundak, Chairman of the NAPPS Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the release of the minors. He emphasized the role of education in uniting the nation and preparing young Nigerians for a brighter future. He stated, “On behalf of NAPPS members nationwide, we use this opportunity to appreciate the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the release of the detained 32 minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests. In response to that, the leadership of NAPPS Nigeria is prepared to grant the affected minors scholarships up to secondary school level.”
Kundak also applauded the recent introduction of an entrepreneurship curriculum for basic school pupils, noting that skill acquisition is essential for Nigeria’s development. He revealed that NAPPS would work closely with relevant agencies to verify the educational levels of the minors, saying, “We have tasked ourselves that depending on where they exist, if they are from Lagos, they will be given a place to study in Lagos. If there are people from Bauchi, some of them will have a place to study free of charge. This is something we are doing. We will liaise with the authorities concerned to give us the list of those people and confirm if they have not finished primary and secondary schools.”
In his remarks, Chief Abayomi Otubela, NAPPS National President, commended the newly approved Board of Trustees and warned private school owners against operating below standard. He emphasized that excellence should be the hallmark of the association, underscoring a commitment to uphold the rule of law and meet the educational needs of Nigerian children.
