By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
The Managing Director of Global Model Academy, Bagusa, Dei- Dei, Abuja, Mrs. Comfort Ugwunna, celebrated the school’s graduation and prize-giving day, highlighting the vital role private schools play in Nigeria’s education sector. Located in a remote village, the school has made significant contributions to education, providing access to quality learning for local children.
Mrs. Ugwunna emphasized that private schools are crucial to the development of education in Nigeria, particularly in areas where government presence is limited. She called on the government to support private schools, particularly in the area of taxation, where multiple taxation is a significant challenge.
The school’s graduation ceremony showcased the achievements of its students, and Mrs. Ugwunna expressed gratitude to parents for their support. She reiterated the need for government collaboration to ensure the continued growth and success of private schools in Nigeria.
Mr. Okafor Emmanuel, the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) Chairman praised the school for its impressive growth and commitment to providing quality education. He however suggested that the school needs to improve its ICT infrastructure to meet international standards and prepare students for the digital age.
Similarly, the Executive Director (ED) of the school, Elder George Ugwunna, appealed to the Nigerian Senate to enact laws that encourage and support private schools in Nigeria.
Making the call at the event, he highlighted the significant contributions private schools make to the country’s education sector, even as he emphasized that private schools have a larger enrollment of students compared to public schools in some areas, citing his own experience of establishing the first private school in the area. He urged the Senate to consider providing grants and other forms of support to private schools to enable them to continue delivering quality education.
On the challenges facing private schools, Ugwunna noted that private schools face significant challenges, including lack of finance, multiple taxation, and limited government support.
He expressed optimism that with government support, private schools can hold their own against public schools, noting that addressing key challenges would be a major boost to Nigeria’s education sector.
The Senate’s support for private schools could be a game-changer in improving the quality of education in Nigeria. By providing grants and reducing taxation, private schools can continue to deliver quality education and contribute to the development of the country. Enactment of a law to that effect will go a long way