The Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) has expressed deep concern over the growing number of unregistered low-cost private schools in Oyo State, revealing that only 30% of such schools currently belong to the association while a staggering 70% remain outside its umbrella.
The Oyo State Controller of AFED, Mrs. Mabel Akintola, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Ibadancity Announcer, stressing that many proprietors deliberately avoid associations out of fear of being monitored by government regulators.
“Some school owners have not yet seen the light. They run away from associations because they believe that if they are known, the government will shunt them. But I dare to say that those who run away from associations often have skeletons in their cupboard. If you are doing the right thing, you should want to identify with a body that puts all of you together,” Akintola explained.
The AFED boss, who assumed leadership of the association in 2024, said that membership is not a burden, with schools paying just ₦500 for registration and ₦3,000 per term in dues. She stressed that AFED is committed to raising educational standards among low-cost private schools, contrary to the widespread belief that such schools compromise on quality.
“People think low-cost means no standard, but that is a wrong perception. Our schools may not always have flamboyant buildings, but what we deliver inside those classrooms is standard. In fact, many of our products have graduated with excellent results from Nigerian universities, and some are currently excelling internationally,” she said.
Akintola cited the case of a celebrated Lagos graduate with a perfect 5.0 CGPA, noting that he was the product of AFED schools, not elite institutions.
To strengthen quality assurance, she revealed that AFED continuously exposes its teachers to training, mentorship, and innovation, while also encouraging unqualified staff to pursue formal education through distance learning or weekend classes.
“We don’t abandon anyone. Some of our young secondary school leavers start as assistants under mentorship. With encouragement, they return to school to qualify fully as teachers. Throwing them out of classrooms, as some government policies suggest, is not the solution. Reformation and training are better alternatives,” she said.
She further highlighted the benefits available to AFED members, particularly the partnership with Edify, an international education-support organization that provides training, ICT resources, grants, and interest-free loans.
“Edify’s platform is 100% real and already operational in Rivers, Edo, Lagos, Imo, Anambra, and Ogun states. Very soon, Oyo State schools will begin to enjoy the same benefits. So, any school proprietor listening should find AFED and join us,” Akintola urged.
She concluded by stressing that AFED’s ultimate mission is to bring every low-cost private school in Oyo State under one strong umbrella, ensuring quality, sustainability, and credibility in the education sector.
