The Federal government has unveiled a comprehensive policy on non-state schools, outlining clear guidelines for its infrastructure, teacher quality, curriculum delivery, and stronger accountability measures.
Non-State Schools includes faith-based schools, private schools, home schooling, tutorial/adult learning centres, Voluntary/charity schools and community schools.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during the unveiling yesterday, said the policy unveiled in Abuja, aims to ensure quality and accountability in the education sector by establishing clear guidelines for non-state schools.
The policy was supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Office (FCDO) off Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE).
Alausa said the policy was part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which prioritises education as a cornerstone of national development.
He emphasised the crucial role of non-state schools in meeting Nigeria’s growing demand for education.
“By harnessing the potential of non-state schools, we can increase access to quality education, improve learning outcomes, and promote economic growth.
“The policy outlines clear guidelines for non-state school, including standards for infrastructure, teacher quality, and curriculum delivery.
“It also provides a framework for collaboration between non-state schools and the government, ensuring that we can work together to achieve our education goal,” he said.
The Minister said that data showed that between 2017 and 2022, the number of non-state schools grew by approximately 39 per cent, compared to much lower growth rates for government-run primary and junior secondary schools, which expanded by only 3.5 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively.
“As our population continues to grow, non-state schools are helping to fill the gap.
“While we appreciate their role, we are determined to ensure better regulation, accountability, and support so they can deliver higher-quality education to our children,” he added.
Alausa also announced practical support and incentives for private school operators, among which are indirect reimbursement for enrolling out-of-school children, with implementation targeted for the 2025–2026 school session.
Also, he said direct grants and vouchers through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to support privately owned early childhood development centres would be granted to non-state schools.
The policy includes quality assurance, ensuring that non-state schools meet minimum standards for infrastructure, teacher quality, and curriculum delivery.
Also the policy will hold non-state schools accountable for their performance and ensuring that they are transparent in their operations.