Scrapping JSS, SSS won’t solve school dropout problem — Private school owners

NAPPS also expressed concern that merging the two levels of secondary education could reverse progress made in reducing bullying among younger learners.

It noted that separating junior and senior secondary students has created safer learning environments in many schools by limiting interactions between significantly older and younger students, thereby improving students’ emotional well-being and confidence.

The association advised policymakers to carefully consider how such gains would be sustained under the proposed structure.

Beyond structural reforms, NAPPS recommended greater investment in teacher welfare, improved teaching quality, stronger technical and vocational education, expanded access to affordable public secondary education, restoration of discipline and values-based education, as well as targeted support for vulnerable learners.

The association also urged the Federal Government to recognise private schools as key partners in expanding access to quality education by providing policy support, improving access to affordable financing and reducing multiple taxes and regulatory burdens.

According to NAPPS, private schools educate millions of Nigerian children and play a significant role in complementing government efforts to improve educational access and outcomes, adding that they should be fully integrated into future education reform initiatives.