Federal Government Unveils National Policy to Boost Quality and Access in Non-State Schools

The Federal Government has introduced a sweeping National Policy on Non-State Schools (NPNSN) a comprehensive move aimed at improving regulation and support for private, faith-based community-run and other non-state educational institutions across Nigeria.

The initiative targets enhanced education quality, better access, and stronger oversight—particularly for children living in rural and underprivileged areas.
The policy establishes clear standards for infrastructure, curriculum delivery, teacher qualifications, data collection, and school safety. This framework aims to ensure that all non-state schools meet basic requirements for quality and accountability.
Non-state schools covered by the policy include private schools, mission schools, homeschooling groups, adult education centers, charity-supported and voluntary institutions, and community-driven educational programs.
The government has introduced mandatory quality assurance measures and promotes stronger collaboration between non-state schools and regulatory agencies, laying the groundwork for improved monitoring and learning outcomes nationwide.
Special provisions and incentives are directed toward non-state schools that enroll out-of-school children—such as indirect reimbursement and prospective grants for early childhood education centers. Implementation is targeted for the 2025–2026 school session, with a voucher support scheme and grants through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) playing key roles.

According to the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the NPNSN aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) which seeks to position education at the core of national development.

Data shows that from 2017 to 2022 non-state schools grew by about 39%, compared to a mere 3.5% and 6.3% increase for government-run primary and junior secondary schools, respectively—underscoring the rising importance and reach of private education.

The policy’s launch was supported by international partners, including the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) program.

Education stakeholders—including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and the British High Commission—have praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to bridge education gaps, especially for underserved demographics.

The government is calling on state authorities, private school operators, and community leaders to actively cooperate in implementing the policy for maximum impact