One year after, 36 states yet to domesticate FG’s non-state schools policy

Nigeria's ambitious National Policy on Non-State Schools, launched a year ago to regulate and improve the country's expanding private education sector, has yet to be fully adopted by any of the 36 states. This delay raises significant concerns that the reform may fail to translate from paper to practice.

The Federal Government unveiled the policy on July 16, 2025, with Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa urging state governments to domesticate the framework. The policy categorizes various non-state educational institutions, including faith-based, private, and community schools, and addresses critical areas such as registration, curriculum, teacher qualifications, and school safety.

Alausa emphasized the necessity of state-level cooperation, stating that the government could not achieve these reforms alone. He called for collaborative efforts to ensure every Nigerian child receives the required education and skills. The policy mandates registration, adherence to the national curriculum, employment of qualified teachers, and regular monitoring and evaluation of non-state schools.

Despite the minister's call to action, the lack of domestication across all states means the framework's objectives for enhancing regulation, quality assurance, and access in the private education sector remain largely unrealized. Stakeholders worry that this inertia could undermine a crucial initiative aimed at improving educational standards nationwide.

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As I’ve consistently emphasised, the government cannot – and should not – do this work alone. I call on all stakeholders to support the implementation of this policy and to work collaboratively toward a future where every Nigerian child receives the education and skills they need to reach their full potential.