COVID-19: PRIVATE SCHOOLS SEEK CBN’S INTERVENTION SUSPENDING INTERESTS ON EXISTING LOANS
… Demand Deferred Payment Of Dues, Levies, Taxes For One Session
Lagos – The umbrella body for private school owners in Nigeria, the National Association Of Proprietors Of Private Schools (NAPPS) has appealed to the Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) for an intervention in securing the suspension of interest on existing loans attributable to private schools until when schools reopen.
This was the position of NAPPS as canvassed by its National President, Chief Yomi Otubela, as part of demands to the government and all stakeholders in the education sector to cushion the destructive effects of the coronavirus pandemic resulting in the lockdown of schools across the country.
Speaking via a virtual press chat on Tuesday in Lagos with the theme: “COVID- 19 Pandemic: A Critical Analysis of Impact and Recovery For Private Education In Nigeria” NAPPS also demanded the provision of educational grants from the Federal Government to private schools to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that private schools are able to meet monthly obligations to staff.
Besides, the association also demanded a non-interest loan to members that will ensure that private schools keep running during post-lockdown as parents might find it challenging also to meet up with their financial responsibilities immediately schools are reopened.
NAPPS added: “We request various state governments to suspend all dues, levies, taxes, etc, for a minimum of an academic session. This will allow private schools to recover from the effect of the pandemic on our operations.
“NAPPS is also requesting Federal, State and other governmental departments to desist from converting public schools’ facilities into markets, isolation centers.
“Rather, this period should be used to focus on engaging stakeholders in education as well as health professionals to develop safety guidelines in schools to fight the spread of the virus within the school systems,” NAPPS demanded.
The association said it has become imperative for governments at all levels to commence provision and installation of necessary safety amenities within the public schools’ environment in preparation for resumption.
