Serious controversy is brewing in Oyo State as the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Oyo State Chapter, faces intense public backlash for refusing to join the ongoing strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The NUT ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers to withdraw their services effective Monday, June 1, to protest the rising wave of student and teacher kidnappings. However, private schools across the state—operating under the umbrella of NAPPS—have remained fully operational, sparking outrage from citizens, parents, and media observers who accuse the association of insensitivity. Profit Over Safety? Critics have questioned the motives of the NAPPS leadership, headed by its state president, Dr. Asiwaju Fajobi, accusing the association of prioritizing academic calendars and tuition fees over the collective safety of the education sector. In a scathing public critique, prominent broadcast journalist Akintayo Asamu Kowinrin (Kọfẹsọ of Ifeology) openly challenged the proprietors` indifference. "We want you to tell Nigerians why you are not concerned about the kidnapped students and teachers," Kowinrin stated. He rejected the notion that private institutions are immune to the security crisis, pointing out that Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota—one of the schools affected by recent abductions—is a private institution. "Are you trying to prove that your schools stand out more than government schools, or are you refusing to close down solely because of school fees? Your children`s parents will pay full fees this term, so why are you acting like this does not affect you?" he asked, using the local parlance "Kowope ni tiyin" (your focus is just money). NAPPS Stance vs. Public Outcry While the NUT insists the strike is necessary to force government action on security, NAPPS leadership has previously distanced itself from such protests. In recent statements, the association has argued for dialogue over strikes, urging members to remain open. However, this stance has been interpreted by many observers as a refusal to stand in solidarity with their public sector colleagues, even when private schools like the one in Yawota are direct victims of the same insecurity. Allegations of Teacher Assault Compounding the controversy are allegations of high-handedness by some private school owners. An anonymous private school teacher revealed that a proprietor physically assaulted staff members who failed to show up for work last week during the panic caused by the security situation. The striking public teachers and concerned citizens argue that the security threat is a universal danger. They urge Dr. Fajobi and the NAPPS executive to reconsider their stance, reminding them that insecurity spares no one.
