Prof Awodun Receives Meritorious Service Award From NAPPS, Donates, 1,000 Books
KEHINDE AKINPELU, ILORIN
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) honoured Prof Muritala Awodun, with a Meritorious Service Award at its 18th Annual National Conference held on 27th November 2025 in Ilorin, Kwara State, according to a statement on Wednesday.
This honour comes shortly after the prestigious Award of Recognition conferred on him by the University of Ilorin on 26th November 2025.
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The 2025 NAPPS National Conference, held at Timak Event Centre, Ilorin, Kwara State, brought together education leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria.
In attendance were eminent personalities including the NAPPS BOT Chairman, Dr. Mijinyawa I. Said; the Deputy National President, Prince Ufomba; and the National Vice President/Zonal President South South, Hon. Reuben Ikponmwen Ekhosuehi. Also present are proprietors of private schools across the country.
With the theme “Education for Sustainable Development: A Technology-Driven, Innovative and Inclusive Approach,” the conference explored the evolving landscape of private education and the realities of managing schools in a challenging economic environment.
Professor Awodun, who served as Guest Speaker, delivered a compelling lecture titled “Tax Policy, Economic Uncertainties and School Administration in Nigeria.” He commended private school proprietors for bridging the gap created by the declining quality of public education, acknowledging their resilience, accountability, and innovation in sustaining Nigeria’s learning ecosystem.
He highlighted a major structural imbalance within the system. He asserts that although private schools contribute significantly to the Education system of the nation, the Education Tax Funds are utilized predominantly for public institutions leaving private schools with no direct benefits despite their significant role in uplifting the country’s educational burden.
Drawing on his experience as the former Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service where he led reforms that expanded the state’s revenue,and his background as a banker and educator, Prof. Awodun offered an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s tax landscape.
He discussed how inconsistency in tax policies and economic shocks affect the funding and administration of education in Nigeria. Referencing his current role on the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, he informed participants that major nationwide tax reforms embedded in the National Tax Acts scheduled to commence in January 2026 will eliminate most of the tax inconsistencies.
Prof. Awodun explained how inflation, currency instability, fluctuating oil prices, unemployment, and inconsistent tax enforcement weaken government revenue and reduce education budgets, thereby affecting both public and private schools.
While public schools contend with overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and limited resources, private schools face rising operational expenses, restricted fee adjustments, and challenges in retaining qualified teachers.
He noted that school administrators increasingly struggle with budgeting, technology adoption, regulatory compliance, and maintaining educational standards amid unpredictable economic conditions.
To navigate these challenges, he encouraged schools to diversify income streams, strengthen financial planning systems, invest in staff development through partnerships, and adopt technology that boosts efficiency and long-term sustainability.
He also urged government to stabilize tax policies, increase transparency, strengthen TETFund oversight, and reduce taxes on educational materials in order to ease pressure on the education sector.
As part of the event, Dr. Mijinyawa I. Said presented Prof. Awodun with the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the advancement of quality education in Nigeria.
In further demonstration of his commitment to improving learning nationwide, Prof. Awodun donated 1,000 copies of his book, “Entrepreneurship for Secondary Schools – Not Just Schooling but Learning,” valued at ₦5,000 per copy, to school owners present at the conference.
The gesture received widespread commendation, with proprietors including Dr. Dosumu and Dr. Akintoye describing the book as timely, relevant, and impactful.
The conference concluded with renewed calls for stable education policies, stronger government support for private institutions, and deeper collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s education system remains resilient, innovative, and responsive to the needs of learners.
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 3rd 2025)
