The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has actually warned the Federal government against hurrying ahead with its proposition to combine Junior and Elder Secondary Schools, arguing that restructuring the education system alone will not resolve Nigeria’s growing out-of-school kids obstacle.
The association kept that there is no proof linking the existing separation of Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) to the nation’s high dropout rate, stressing that any major policy reform must be backed by thorough research and credible data.
NAPPS made its position known in a declaration collectively signed by its National President, Chief Yomi Otubela, and National Secretary, Evangelist Ajibade Augustine, in action to the Federal government’s plan to replace the present 6-3-3-4 education structure with a constant six-year secondary education model.
While acknowledging the federal government’s efforts to enhance school retention and reduce the number of out-of-school children, the association argued that the nation’s education challenges are driven mostly by socio-economic aspects instead of the present secondary school structure.
According to NAPPS, concerns such as poverty, insecurity, rising education costs, child labour, early marital relationship, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of certified instructors and weak enforcement of required education laws stay the significant reasons numerous children abandon school.
The association kept in mind that although some proponents of the proposition believe a constant six-year secondary education system might reduce the variety of trainees who leave school after finishing JSS3, particularly in public schools, structural changes alone would have limited impact if the underlying causes of school dropout remain unsettled.
It explained that numerous learners stop working to advance to senior secondary education due to the fact that they are forced by financial truths to seek work, get employment abilities or support their families, rather than because of the existing education structure.
NAPPS therefore prompted the Federal Government to carry out a nationwide study before implementing the proposed reform.
According to the association, decisions on such a substantial policy need to be based upon evidence, broad consultations and mindful examination instead of presumptions.
It specified that if independent research ultimately proves the proposed design would improve learning results without weakening gain access to, quality, trainee well-being or technical education opportunities, the association would support the reform.
NAPPS likewise contacted the government to engage crucial stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Educators, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, state ministries of education, assessment bodies, education scientists, parents, technical education experts, civil society organisations and development partners before reaching a decision.
The association stated education reforms are more efficient when those accountable for executing them are actively involved in the policy advancement procedure.
It even more cautioned that getting rid of the difference between junior and senior secondary education could compromise technical and vocational education by minimizing alternative pathways presently available to students after finishing junior secondary school.
According to NAPPS, the present plan allows learners whose strengths depend on professional and technical fields to enrol in technical colleges and ability acquisition organizations, equipping them with useful competencies for work and entrepreneurship.
The association prompted the federal government to ensure that any new policy protects these chances rather than limiting students’ educational choices.
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NAPPS also expressed issue that combining the two levels of secondary education might reverse progress made in reducing bullying among younger students.
It kept in mind that separating junior and senior secondary students has produced much safer learning environments in numerous schools by limiting interactions in between considerably older and younger trainees, consequently enhancing students’ emotional wellness and self-confidence.
The association advised policymakers to carefully think about how such gains would be sustained under the proposed structure.
Beyond structural reforms, NAPPS advised higher financial investment in instructor well-being, enhanced teaching quality, more powerful technical and occupation education, broadened access to affordable public secondary education, restoration of discipline and values-based education, as well as targeted assistance for vulnerable students.
The association likewise urged the Federal Government to acknowledge private schools as key partners in broadening access to quality education by providing policy assistance, improving access to economical funding and decreasing numerous taxes and regulative burdens.
According to NAPPS, private schools educate countless Nigerian children and play a significant role in matching government efforts to enhance academic access and results, including that they should be completely integrated into future education reform efforts.