Your Excellency, Sir
With great respect for your leadership, I, Comrade Amir Abu Sadiq, a concerned citizen from in Yashi Area, in Lokoja local government of Kogi state,write to bring your noble attention to a matter of urgent concern. This petition seeks your intervention in asking the Kogi State House of Assembly to urgently review and update policies that govern private schools in the state.Recent developments have shown troubling actions by some private school proprietors, which are negatively affecting parents and students in Kogi State.
A few days ago, a video of a distressed mother circulated on social media, expressing her frustrations with the exploitative practices of private schools across Nigeria. The grievances she raised are not unique; they reflect the experiences of many parents here in Kogi State. Based on this, I respectfully ask for your administration’s help in addressing these pressing issues to safeguard the welfare of parents and students and protect the quality of education in our state.
(1) Exploitative Textbook Practices
A widespread issue in private schools is the forced purchase of customized textbooks, which are changed every year with very few updates to the content. Parents with multiple children in different classes (for example, Primary 1, 2, and 3) are made to buy new textbooks each year because these schools embed assignments and homework directly into these textbooks, preventing younger siblings from reusing older ones. This practice places a heavy financial burden on parents, serving more as a money-making venture for the school owners at the expense of families.
In addition, many schools collaborate with publishers to sell textbooks at prices far higher than market rates. With no alternatives offered to parents, the need for government oversight becomes even more necessary.
(2) Overpricing of Uniforms, Stationery, and School Materials*
Another concern is the compulsory purchase of uniforms, stationery, and other school materials exclusively from the schools at inflated prices. Parents are not allowed to buy similar items elsewhere at more affordable rates, putting unnecessary strain on family finances and prioritizing the profit of school proprietors over the well-being of the students and their families.
(3) Lack of Effective Monitoring and Regulation*
There appears to be little oversight of private schools in Kogi State. Despite educational policies that exist to guide the operations of private schools, no reliable monitoring body currently ensures that schools follow these regulations. Schools continue to operate unchecked, resulting in exploitation and, in many cases, substandard education. It is important that the state government establishes a dedicated team to regularly inspect schools, evaluate curriculum standards, and make sure schools are following state-approved guidelines.
(4) Unregulated Fee Structures*
Many private schools in Kogi State raise their fees unpredictably, often with no justification. Parents have no choice but to pay as fees for tuition, exams, and extracurricular activities continue to rise. This places an additional burden on families. Clear policies and controls are needed to regulate fee structures in private schools and prevent the unfair exploitation of parents.
(5) Substandard School Facilities and Unqualified Teachers*
A number of private schools in Kogi State do not meet the required standards for infrastructure, learning conditions, or qualified staff. Many have poor classroom conditions, inadequate sanitation facilities, and hire unqualified teachers. These issues lower the quality of education provided and, in some cases, create unsafe learning environments for students. Schools that fall short of these basic standards should be held accountable, and proprietors should be required to improve their schools or face closure.
(6). Request for Review and Deregistration of Non-Compliant Schools*
Given the concerns highlighted above, I humbly request that your Excellency directs a comprehensive review of all private schools in Kogi State. Schools found guilty of exploiting parents, violating educational standards, or failing to meet infrastructural requirements should be penalized, with the option of closing those that do not comply. Our goal is to make sure that private schools operate in a way that benefits students and their families, rather than solely for profit.
(7) Commendation of Efforts to Improve Public Schools*
While the challenges in private schools are concerning, I would like to take a moment to appreciate the incredible work your administration has done to improve public schools. Your dedication to improving the welfare of public school teachers and ensuring that their salaries are paid promptly each month is truly noteworthy. These efforts are helping to restore confidence in public education, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, I respectfully ask your Excellency to direct the Kogi State House of Assembly to review and enforce the policies guiding private school operations. By addressing these unfair practices, implementing better oversight, and enforcing penalties for schools that do not comply, we can provide a better learning environment for students and protect parents from unnecessary financial strain.
Additionally, I request that this petition be copied to the relevant stakeholders, including the Kogi State Deputy Governor, the Chairman of SUBEB, Kogi State House of Assembly Members, the National Union of Teachers, the Labour Union, the Traders’ Union, the Students’ Union, and the Kogi State Youth Council of Nigeria, so that all may work together toward a fair solution.
I have full confidence in your administration’s ability to tackle these issues and ensure that Kogi State’s education system serves everyone fairly.
Comrade Amir Abu Sadiq, writes from Yashi Quater’s Lokoja, Kogi State.
Gmail; youngmoney881987@gmail.com
