NAPPS Delta Rejects Govt’s Graduation Guidelines, Directs Schools To Ignore Approval Requirement

ASABA, NIGERIA — The Delta State Wing of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has formally rejected the newly released graduation guidelines issued by the State Ministry of Education, setting up a major showdown between private school owners and the state government.

The decision follows an emergency online general meeting held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and a subsequent executive committee session on Sunday, July 5, where leaders of the association gathered to address growing discontent among members.

In an internal memorandum on Tuesday obtained by Oasis Magazine, signed by the State Chairman, DCNs Mrs. P.N. Young, and State Secretary General, DCNs Dr. Mrs. Rose Obi, the association declared that the guidelines—signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary—are completely “rejected as a working guide” for all members in the state.

Absolute Boycott and Threats of Sanctions

Taking a hardline stance, NAPPS has strictly forbidden its members from complying with government directives requiring schools to seek official permission before hosting their event.

“The Association agrees that no member should write to the ministry to seek permission to observe the Graduation/Prize giving ceremony,” the memo stated, warning that any school head who breaches this directive will face “severe sanctions” from the body.

Instead, the association has ordered its members to hold upcoming graduation ceremonies on a “low-key” basis.

According to the memo, this scaled-back approach is a deliberate act of solidarity with students, families, and educators currently enduring severe security challenges across the nation.

Call for Calm Amid Planned Negotiations

While the rejection marks a sharp escalation in tensions, NAPPS leadership has urged school owners to remain calm while the executive committee prepares to engage the state government at the negotiating table.

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“We urge all well-meaning members of NAPPS to remain calm and give us some time to engage the Government on the unacceptable policy,” the statement read, adding that members should wait for further directives on legally permitted actions to protect the industry.

The Ministry of Education has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the boycott or whether it intends to review the controversial policy.