The president, High Chief Alaka Yusuf, of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos chapter, has reacted to the statement authored by the duo Durodola O.A. and Bodunde Samuel titled “NAPPS Warns Against Illegal, Dubious Transaction on Her Behalf; Calls for Caution,” published on January 11th, claiming legitimacy of NAPPS Lagos.
A statement released on Sunday, signed by its president, stated that this reflects typical predetermined, reductionist, derogatory, and denigrating images of the reputable name of NAPPS, as such categories of elements are unauthorised and unrecognised to speak about the association.
“We need to clear up some misconceptions conveyed by the faceless elements as regards the recent $1 billion educational transformation projects agreement NAPPS Lagos signed with Digital Learning Network, USA, recently on January 9th at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.”
“It’s categorically stated that, in the presence of NAPPS BOT, founder-fathers of the association, stakeholders, and prominent members of NAPPS at the signing of MoU with the DLN, a United States-based company. This partnership agreement aims to extend its reach to every child attending private schools within Lagos State, with a particular focus on those enrolled in schools under the umbrella of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS)”.
Alaka clarified: “The project is designed to provide each learner with a personal laptop, enhancing their educational experience by immersing them in technology and artificial intelligence skills. This forward-thinking program is not just about improving student learning capabilities; it is also set to create significant employment opportunities. Specifically, it will generate over 2,400 direct jobs for teachers within Lagos State alone, thereby contributing to the economic and professional development of the educational sector in the region.”
According to him, “this positive transformation will occur because the stakeholders involved will directly experience the benefits, without the bureaucratic burdens of demands and exhortation for kickbacks, such as a 2% cut, or the requirement to pay four years’ worth of annual dues in advance. Instead, the focus will be on creating a more equitable and beneficial framework that fosters genuine progress and innovation for NAPPS Lagos.”
“We expected the duo and co-travellers to seek value-driven projects rather than pushing for destructive approaches to the association. For NAPPS members, they are not interested in faction playing egocentric leadership but leaders that will bring succour/solutions to the challenges they are presently facing in the running of their schools.Under the recognised NAPPS Lagos leadership, Chief Alaka-Yusuf and his dedicated team of executives, not after divide and rule by factional interests or self-serving agendas, instead seek leaders who are genuinely committed to providing relief and practical solutions to the current challenges they encounter in the management and operation of the NAPPS. This effort mirrors the benefits of all members and private school children,” Alaka explained.
Alaka revealed, “We are with the fully certified copies of the association as an authentic mandate of NAPPS; this is poised to significantly and legitimately engage, transact, and run the administration without illegality. We will continue to oversee and manage the affairs, enhancing the reputation and effectiveness of NAPPS within the education sector both in Nigeria and globally.”
However, Alaka stated that he was never suspended, nor were any election irregularities recorded during my election. As the duly elected NAPPS Lagos president, sworn in November 2023 for a four-year term until October 2027, I will continue to fulfill my campaign promises without jeopardy, exercising and executing human legacy-oriented promises for the members without segregation.