The Niger State Parent-Teacher Association (NIPTA) has rejected a directive from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education asking all public schools to dissolve their PTA executive committees.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Adamu Yunusa, NIPTA described the circular as “unconstitutional” and an attempt to weaken the rights of parents and teachers in school administration.
According to the association, PTA executives are elected by parents and teachers in each school and operate as independent bodies. It argued that the Ministry does not have the power to remove elected officials without a valid reason or due process.
NIPTA also questioned why the Ministry consulted the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on PTA matters, noting that PTAs are not labour unions or employer organisations.
The association explained that PTAs exist mainly to support students’ welfare, educational development, and cooperation between parents and schools—not to handle labour issues.
NIPTA urged principals and headteachers across the state to ignore the directive and continue with their current PTA leadership.
The statement called on parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to support the association and protect the role of PTAs in improving education in Niger State.
