Get Guardian on GoogleThe National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has expressed support for the Federal Government’s decision to close schools charging tuition fees in foreign currencies, describing the practice as exploitative and contrary to national interest.
Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Chairman of NAPTAN’s Board of Trustees, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday that no Nigerian school should request fees in dollars or other foreign denominations, and parents should not acquiesce to such demands.
“Education should teach patriotism, not drain our foreign reserves,” he said, adding that the practice undermines Nigeria’s economy and the values education is intended to instil.
Ogunbanjo questioned the logic behind schools insisting on foreign currency.
“Ghana is very close to us but will not operate like that. Can a Nigerian pay school fees in naira in the UK or the United States?” he asked, stressing that institutions engaged in the practice should face sanctions.
“In fact, any school or university doing that is unpatriotic and should be shut down until the policy is reversed,” he stated.
The chairman reaffirmed NAPTAN’s full backing of the government’s policy, noting that demanding fees in foreign currencies damages national economic stability and must be halted to restore fairness in the education system.
The call aligns with statements by Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who earlier indicated the government’s intention to close schools that charge tuition in foreign currency.
Speaking at the Nigeria Gold Day Celebration in Abuja, Alake described the practice as a significant economic leak and said he would recommend to the Federal Executive Council that such institutions be shut down.
“If you look at the foreign currency that goes into some of these schools, it is humongous,” he said, highlighting the threat to national growth.
