The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has actually warned the Federal government versus rushing ahead with its proposition to merge Junior and Elder Secondary Schools, arguing that restructuring the education system alone will not resolve Nigeria’s growing out-of-school kids challenge.
The association preserved that there is no proof linking the existing separation of Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) to the country’s high dropout rate, worrying that any significant policy reform must be backed by comprehensive research study and credible information.
NAPPS made its position understood in a declaration jointly 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 current 6-3-3-4 education structure with a constant six-year secondary education design.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to enhance school retention and reduce the number of out-of-school children, the association argued that the country’s education obstacles are driven mainly by socio-economic factors rather than today secondary school structure.
According to NAPPS, concerns such as poverty, insecurity, rising education costs, kid labour, early marriage, insufficient infrastructure, shortage of certified teachers and weak enforcement of required education laws remain the major reasons lots of kids abandon school.
The association noted that although some proponents of the proposition think a constant six-year secondary education system could lower the number of students who leave school after finishing JSS3, especially in public schools, structural changes alone would have limited effect if the underlying causes of school dropout stay unsolved.
It discussed that numerous learners stop working to advance to senior secondary education since they are compelled by economic realities to seek work, acquire trade abilities or support their households, rather than since of the existing education structure.
NAPPS for that reason urged the Federal Government to undertake an across the country study before executing the proposed reform.
According to the association, choices on such a significant policy must be based on evidence, broad assessments and cautious assessment instead of assumptions.
It stated that if independent research study ultimately proves the proposed model would enhance finding out outcomes without weakening access, quality, trainee welfare or technical education opportunities, the association would support the reform.
NAPPS likewise called on 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, examination bodies, education researchers, parents, technical education professionals, civil society organisations and development partners before reaching a decision.
The association said education reforms are more reliable when those responsible for implementing them are actively involved in the policy development process.
It even more warned that eliminating the distinction between junior and senior secondary education might weaken technical and trade education by reducing alternative pathways currently readily available to trainees after finishing junior secondary school.
According to NAPPS, the present arrangement allows students whose strengths depend on professional and technical fields to enrol in technical colleges and skill acquisition organizations, equipping them with useful proficiencies for employment and entrepreneurship.
The association advised the government to guarantee that any new policy preserves these chances instead of restricting students’ instructional options.
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NAPPS also expressed issue that combining the 2 levels of secondary education might reverse development made in decreasing bullying among more youthful learners.
It kept in mind that separating junior and senior secondary students has developed safer learning environments in numerous schools by limiting interactions in between significantly older and more youthful students, thereby enhancing trainees’ emotional well-being and self-confidence.
The association recommended policymakers to carefully consider how such gains would be sustained under the proposed structure.
Beyond structural reforms, NAPPS advised greater financial investment in teacher well-being, enhanced mentor quality, stronger technical and occupation education, expanded access to cost effective public secondary education, remediation of discipline and values-based education, as well as targeted assistance for vulnerable students.
The association also advised the Federal government to acknowledge private schools as crucial partners in expanding access to quality education by supplying policy support, improving access to cost effective funding and lowering multiple taxes and regulative concerns.
According to NAPPS, private schools educate countless Nigerian children and play a significant role in matching federal government efforts to enhance instructional access and results, including that they should be completely incorporated into future education reform initiatives.