
The Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Uvwie Local Government Area, Pastor Paul Esene, on Saturday, the 7th of December, 2024, stated that teachers are the backbone of education on which the society thrives.
Esene made the remarks during the NAPPS, Uvwie End of Year Party tagged ‘Celebrating a year of success, collaboration and community in grand style,’ which took place at the Ehruvwu Afiesere Hall on Jakpa road, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
Esene, who is also the proprietor of Noble Royal Onward Academy, stated that NAPPS Uvwie is evolving significantly to greater heights.
“Today, we gather to celebrate two major milestones, ‘the maiden Teachers’ Award Ceremony and the Presentation of Certificates of Membership to all members of the association,” he said, emphasizing that the teaching profession needs to be celebrated and exceptional quality and excellence in the profession deserves honour.
In an interview, Pastor Esene went further to mention some of the challenges he met and overcame and his achievements since his one year, six months in office as Chairman of the association.
“When I came in, there was nothing on ground; so,with the support and cooperation of my amazing executive team members, who understood my vision and passion, we saved and bought a public address system, we launched the first ever NAPPS Magazine;we reached out to more schools and increased membership, we have carried out other activities such as trainings and outreaches with success,” he said
“The presentation of certificate of membership is a milestone that serves as a symbol of our shared values and goals, while also reaffirming our commitment to strengthen our community in Uvwie NAPPS,” he said.
Pastor Esene stated further that the association wouldcontinue to provide support, resources and networking opportunities to members to ensure a vibrant and dynamic association.
Mrs. Edith Isiwu, proprietress of Goshen Land Schools, Ekpan, expressed satisfaction over her experience as a member of NAPPS, stating that school business is much easier to run when standing with an association such as NAPPS, while also highlighting some of the benefits as collaboration, problem solving, idea sharing, trainings, networking and a covering that exempts members from unnecessary taxes.
Mrs. Isiwu concluded by suggesting that NAPPS, as a strong National Organisation, should come up with a National Examination whereby students who partake of it should have some form of recognition, leverage and acceptance.
Mr. Stephen Etigere, a Staff of Roteux Academy who also received an award of excellence, expressed his gratitude to NAPPS and the Management of Roteux Academy, stating that having spent 15 years in the teaching profession, this is the first time he was being recognized and honoured which he doesn’t take for granted.
“This feeling is mutual amongst us all being honoured today because it tells us that our passion, dedication and contribution to the profession are not taken for granted”, he said, calling on all teachers to put in their best in their work as one cannot tell what great rewards lie ahead of them.
Dr. Mojeed Akorede Quadri, adviser to NAPPS Uvwie Chapter and proprietor of Deen Foundation schools, Ekpan, in an interview, stated that that NAPPS is the only national umbrella body that covers private schools, providing support and training, while also championing the subsidization of levies on members’schools, thereby protecting them from hoodlums.
Dr. Mojeed went further to commend the current Executive members of NAPPS, Uvwie for the efforts put in to build and strengthen both member schools and the association;
“A lot has been done already and there are forecasts of more great things to come in the days ahead,” he said,while also calling on non–member schools to join the association to enjoy all the benefits due to members.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of NAPPS Magazine, volume 2, the presentation of awards, certificate of membership and special appreciation of the Chairman, Pastor Paul Esene and his team for breaking new grounds.
Present at the ceremony were the Chief inspector of Education, Uvwie LGA, Chief Vera England; Chief Dr. Ochuko Akpeme, NAPPS South- South President andAmb. F.C.O. Mikpoyino (Pioneer President NAPPS Delta State),