The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Delta State has plunged into a deep leadership crisis following the indefinite suspension of its entire State Executive Committee by the association’s South-South zonal leadership.
The sweeping action was announced on Monday, February 16, 2025, in Asaba, during a press conference addressed by the South-South Zonal President, Ochuko Akpeme.
The suspension affects all state executives led by the Chairman, Precious Young, over allegations of gross misconduct and violations of the association’s constitution.
Reading from a formal suspension letter, the Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) said it exercised its constitutional powers under the 2023 NAPPS Constitution (as amended) after establishing multiple infractions against the Delta State leadership.
The alleged offences include insubordination to zonal and national authorities, dissemination of misleading information to members, unauthorized decision-making, and persistent failure to remit statutory zonal and national dues.
“We hereby suspend the Delta State Executive members indefinitely,” the letter stated.
It further directed that all NAPPS documents and properties in the custody of the suspended officers be handed over to the South-South Zonal President within three days of receipt of the notice.
The zonal leadership also accused the Delta State executives of unlawfully presenting themselves as a neutral body contrary to constitutional provisions, and of publishing materials in the association’s name without approval from the National Executive Council (NEC).
Dr. Akpeme warned that any further actions taken by the suspended executives would be regarded as null and void, stressing that such actions could attract criminal consequences if ignored.
The decision has unsettled the private education sector across Delta State, with school proprietors and other stakeholders awaiting clarification on interim leadership arrangements.
Observers say the move is likely to trigger major structural changes within the Delta chapter as the association attempts to restore internal order and rebuild confidence among its members.
Copies of the suspension letter were forwarded to the NAPPS National President, the Nigeria Police, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, the Commissioner for Primary Education, and other key stakeholders in the state’s education sector.
As of the time of filing this report, Mrs. Young had not issued any official response to the allegations.
The latest development also comes amid growing internal tensions within the Delta chapter, following the recent suspension of the Oshimili South Chapter Chairman, Sampson Ekene, over similar allegations bordering on insubordination and withholding of association dues.
