Nigeria's Education Ministry halts NAPTAN national election

The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education has halted a planned national election for the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN). The ministry cited alleged constitutional breaches, noting that the proposed election timing did not align with the association’s requirement to hold elections between April and May.

Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Chairman of the NAPTAN Board of Trustees, stated that the ministry raised concerns regarding the tenure of current leadership, which has reportedly remained in office for over 20 years despite a four-year constitutional limit. Additional concerns included allegations of imported delegates and a pending court matter involving one of the faction leaders. The ministry has directed the contending factions to resolve these issues through dialogue and reconciliation.

Separately, NAPTAN President Prof. Boniface Odeh has commended the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for initiating a recruitment programme to absorb Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) teachers into the formal teaching system. Odeh noted that this move addresses a long-standing request from the association and aims to strengthen basic education and improve teacher welfare.