Association Responds to Federal Education Ministry’s Position, Calls for Stakeholders’ Meeting
By Joy Omagha Idam
The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has called for dialogue with the Federal Ministry of Education over issues surrounding the recognition of its leadership and the status of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers serving in Federal Unity Colleges.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, by NAPTAN’s Director of Media and Publicity, Sir Dr. Ekundayo Abiodun Ademola, KJW, on behalf of the association’s newly elected National President, Mr. Uche Onyia.
The statement followed a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on September 21, 2026, concerning the status and recognition of the National PTA in Federal Unity Colleges.
NAPTAN said it considered the development an opportunity to clarify its position and seek engagement with the Ministry in the interest of parents, students and the continued development of education in the country.
PTA Teachers and Government’s Earlier Commitment
According to NAPTAN, parents through School-Based PTAs have over the years engaged teachers to complement available teaching personnel in schools, including Federal Unity Colleges.
The association said these teachers have been funded through contributions by parents, describing the arrangement as part of the efforts of parents to support the education system and address staffing gaps.
NAPTAN further recalled an earlier public commitment attributed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, concerning the proposed absorption of PTA teachers serving in the 118 Federal Unity Colleges.
The association is therefore seeking clarification on the current position of the Federal Government regarding the proposed absorption and the future status of the teachers.
It also urged the Ministry to provide clear information on the policy framework that would guide the process, particularly for teachers who have been engaged and supported through PTA structures.
Recognition of PTA Structures
Another issue raised by NAPTAN concerns the structure and recognition of PTAs operating across the country’s education system.
The association maintained that its national structure represents parents participating in PTA activities across different schools and institutions.
It argued that the School-Based PTAs operating in Federal Unity Colleges form part of the wider PTA structure and that their representatives have a role in national coordination.
NAPTAN said its recent national congress, held on September 9, 2026, was conducted to elect officers to administer the affairs of the association for the next tenure.
The association consequently called for clarification of any concerns regarding the congress, its elected officers or the applicable regulatory requirements.
NAPTAN Advocates Dialogue
Emphasising the importance of dialogue, the association appealed to the Federal Ministry of Education to engage its leadership and other relevant stakeholders in resolving outstanding issues.
NAPTAN said its interest was to work alongside government and other stakeholders to strengthen education and protect the interests of parents and students.
The association therefore requested that the Minister of Education invite its leadership, led by Mr. Uche Onyia, to a stakeholders’ meeting where the various issues could be examined and clarified.
It also called for clarification of the September 21 press release in order to address concerns that may have arisen among parents and School-Based PTAs in the Federal Unity Colleges.
On the issue of PTA teachers, NAPTAN reiterated its interest in seeing the Federal Government’s earlier commitment regarding their absorption properly addressed.
Appeal for Calm
NAPTAN further appealed to parents in the 118 Federal Unity Colleges to remain calm and continue supporting the education of their children as the 2026/2027 academic session progresses.
The association stressed that parents, government institutions and education stakeholders share a common responsibility in ensuring that students receive quality education in a stable learning environment.
The development comes at a time when the roles of PTAs, government education authorities and other stakeholders in supporting teaching and learning remain subjects of public interest.
NAPTAN said it remained open to constructive engagement with the Federal Ministry of Education, expressing the hope that dialogue would provide clarity on the issues and strengthen cooperation in the education sector.
The statement was signed by Sir Dr. Ekundayo Abiodun Ademola, KJW, Director of Media and Publicity, NAPTAN, for Mr. Uche Onyia, National President of the association.