The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State Chapter, has officially distanced itself from any planned protest against insecurity in the state. The association stated that constructive engagement with relevant authorities remains a more effective approach to addressing security challenges affecting schools and communities.
Position on Planned Protest
In a statement issued on Sunday, the state president of NAPPS, Mr. Olukunle Fajobi, urged private school proprietors across Oyo State not to participate in the protest scheduled to take place in Ibadan. He stressed that the association was not involved in the planned demonstration and disassociated itself from it entirely.
Fajobi noted that while the association shares concerns over the rising security challenges in parts of the country, particularly incidents affecting pupils, students, teachers, and educational institutions, it believes that dialogue and collaboration with government agencies offer a better pathway to lasting solutions.
Commitment to Lawful Channels
According to him, NAPPS remains committed to promoting the safety and welfare of learners, school personnel, and proprietors through lawful and responsible channels rather than street protests. He said the association had consistently advocated measures aimed at improving security in schools and ensuring a conducive environment for teaching and learning across the state.
The association also expressed reservations about the motive behind the protest, describing it as one that appeared to be driven more by political considerations than genuine humanitarian concerns. Fajobi stated that key stakeholders in the education sector, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and other relevant educational bodies, were not officially involved in the rally.
Call for Peace and Collaboration
He urged members of the association to remain law-abiding, peaceful, and focused on their primary responsibility of providing quality education to pupils and students. The NAPPS president reiterated the association’s readiness to collaborate with government and security agencies in efforts aimed at enhancing safety in schools, adding that stakeholders must work collectively to safeguard educational institutions from security threats.
He maintained that meaningful engagement and sustained dialogue would yield more positive outcomes than street demonstrations, while reaffirming the association’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, and educational development in Oyo State.
