The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), the primary umbrella organization representing the interests of parents and educators across the federation, has formally called upon the Federal Government to end the systemic exclusion of parents from the nation’s highest education decision-making processes. Expressing a sense of marginalization, the association argues that the active inclusion of parents is not merely a courtesy but a structural necessity for the effective governance and sustainability of the Nigerian education sector. In a comprehensive appeal directed at the Federal Ministry of Education, NAPTAN leaders emphasized that as the primary financiers of their children’s education, parents must have a seat at the table where policies regarding examinations, curricula, and school funding are formulated.
The demand for institutionalized representation comes at a time when the Nigerian education system faces multifaceted challenges, ranging from rising costs of living to concerns over the integrity of national examinations. Haruna Danjuma, the National President of NAPTAN, highlighted that the current disconnect between policymakers and the parent body has led to friction and the implementation of policies that do not always align with the socio-economic realities of Nigerian families. By sidelining those who shoulder the financial and emotional burden of schooling, the government risks creating a vacuum of accountability and transparency in agencies that are vital to the nation’s future.
Historical Context and the Erosion of Parental Representation
The current friction between NAPTAN and the education authorities marks a significant departure from historical precedents. During the foundational years of organized parental involvement in Nigeria, specifically under the leadership of the late Alhaji Babs Alade Animashaun, the first National President and founder of the association, parents held a recognized and automatic status as stakeholders within government education agencies. During this era, NAPTAN maintained a presence on the boards and consultative committees of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
This historical involvement ensured that the voices of those paying the fees and monitoring the students at home were integrated into the logistical and strategic planning of the academic calendar and examination cycles. However, over the last two decades, this representation has gradually eroded. According to NAPTAN, the current administration of these agencies has transitioned into a more insular model, where decisions are often made by government officials and bureaucrats without formal consultation with the parent-teacher community. The association views this shift as a regression that undermines the democratic principles of stakeholder engagement and leads to the "politicization" of the education sector.
The Financial Burden and the Case for Direct Stakeholder Input
A central pillar of NAPTAN’s argument is the financial contribution of parents to the education ecosystem. In Nigeria’s public and private school systems, the financial weight of tuition, textbooks, uniforms, and external examination fees rests primarily on the shoulders of parents. With the Nigerian economy currently grappling with high inflation rates—which exceeded 30 percent in 2024—the cost of keeping a child in school has become a significant strain on the average household budget.
NAPTAN argues that because parents are the "customers" and "investors" in the education system, it is illogical to exclude them from discussions regarding fee structures and service delivery. For instance, the recent controversy surrounding proposed fee hikes for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by WAEC and NECO served as a flashpoint for this debate. While the government eventually suspended these hikes following a massive public outcry, NAPTAN contends that such tensions could be avoided entirely if parents were part of the initial deliberation process.
The association has specifically requested that the government maintain and expand the policy of paying examination fees for candidates in public schools. This intervention is seen as a critical social safety net, ensuring that students from low-income backgrounds are not denied the opportunity to graduate due to the inability to pay for external assessments. By being part of the decision-making bodies, NAPTAN believes it can provide the government with real-time data on the affordability of these fees and suggest alternative funding models that do not place an undue burden on the populace.
Accountability in Examination Bodies and the Universal Basic Education Commission
The demand for representation extends beyond financial matters to the very integrity of the Nigerian educational standard. NAPTAN is seeking a return to the boards of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB to assist in monitoring the conduct of examinations. The rise of "miracle centres"—clandestine examination halls where malpractice is institutionalized—has become a major concern for the credibility of Nigerian certificates. While agencies like NECO have recently denied specific claims regarding "miracle centres" in certain regions, such as Kogi State, the perception of examination malpractice remains a persistent issue.
NAPTAN argues that parents, through their local and national structures, can act as independent monitors to ensure that schools and examination officials adhere to the highest ethical standards. Furthermore, their involvement in the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is seen as vital for the oversight of the UBE fund. UBEC is responsible for the disbursement of trillions of Naira intended for the development of primary and junior secondary education across the 36 states. NAPTAN contends that as the direct beneficiaries of these facilities, parents are best positioned to report on the actual state of school infrastructure and the effective utilization of government grants at the grassroots level.
Chronology of Recent Policy Tensions and NAPTAN’s Response
The push for reinstatement follows a series of events that have tested the relationship between the government and the parent body:
- Late 2023: Early reports emerged of a proposed increase in registration fees for the 2024 SSCE cycles. NAPTAN issued a preliminary warning, citing the economic hardship caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the Naira.
- Early 2024: Various examination bodies hinted at the necessity of fee adjustments to cover the rising costs of logistics, paper, and examiner allowances.
- March 2024: Public outcry intensified as parents across the country expressed inability to meet the new financial demands. NAPTAN leadership sought an audience with the Federal Ministry of Education to voice these concerns.
- April 2024: Following the intervention of the Presidency and the Minister of Education, the proposed hikes were suspended. This event was cited by Haruna Danjuma as proof that "dialogue and collaboration" are essential before policies are announced, rather than as a reactive measure to public anger.
- June 2024: NAPTAN officially renewed its call for the "institutionalization" of its role, demanding that the Federal Ministry of Education create a permanent seat for the association on the boards of all key education parastatals.
Analysis of Implications: Why Parental Involvement Matters
The exclusion of parents from education policy creates several systemic risks. First, it leads to a lack of "buy-in" for new initiatives. When the government introduces changes to the national curriculum or school calendar without consulting NAPTAN, it often meets resistance from the very people required to implement those changes at home. For example, policies regarding digital learning or vocational training require parental support in terms of providing equipment and encouraging students to pursue these paths.
Secondly, parental involvement is a proven deterrent to corruption. In many public schools, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is responsible for building additional classrooms, hiring community teachers to fill gaps, and providing security. When parents are excluded from national policy, their local contributions are undervalued, and the synergy between the community and the state is weakened.
Thirdly, there is the issue of "commercialization." NAPTAN has been vocal about the trend of turning education into a profit-driven venture rather than a social service. By having a seat at the table, the association can advocate for the regulation of private school fees and ensure that public education remains a viable and high-quality alternative for the masses. This advocacy is crucial for maintaining social stability, as education is often the only ladder for upward mobility in Nigerian society.
Official Responses and the Path Forward
While the Federal Ministry of Education has yet to issue a formal decree reinstating NAPTAN to all requested boards, officials within the ministry have acknowledged the importance of the PTA structure. Recent statements from the ministry have emphasized a "stakeholder-led" approach to the "Roadmap for the Nigerian Education Sector (2023–2027)." However, NAPTAN maintains that "consultation" is not the same as "representation." They are seeking a legal or administrative framework that guarantees their presence, regardless of who is in power.
The association has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the government to promote quality, affordable, and accessible education. They have pledged to continue their support for the Ministry’s initiatives, provided that the relationship is one of mutual respect and formal partnership.
The leadership of NAPTAN, under Haruna Danjuma, remains optimistic that the current administration will recognize the strategic value of their request. The association argues that a transparent, inclusive, and parent-friendly education policy is the most effective way to address the "out-of-school children" crisis and to improve the global standing of Nigerian educational institutions. As the country moves forward, the resolution of this demand will likely serve as a litmus test for the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and the prioritization of the Nigerian student’s welfare over bureaucratic convenience.
