The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has called on the Federal Government to restore parents to the decision making structures of major education agencies, arguing that their exclusion has shut out critical stakeholders from issues directly affecting students and families.

National President of the association, Haruna Danjuma, disclosed that NAPTAN wants institutionalised representation for parents on the governing board and policy consultation platforms of WAEC, NECO, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and NABTEB.

NAPTAN represents the interests of parents and teachers across schools in Nigeria.

Danjuma stated: "Parents are major stakeholders and cannot be sidelined in decisions that affect our children."

He traced the demand to an earlier period when parent teacher associations held formal seats on the boards of key education bodies, recalling that during the tenure of the late Alhaji Babs Animashaun, founder and first National President of the group, PTA/NAPTAN had automatic representation on the decision making bodies of institutions such as WAEC, UBEC and NABTEB, among others.

He argued that the financial role parents play in education justifies their inclusion, noting that households bear the direct cost of schooling, from tuition and levies to examination fees, and should therefore have a voice before policies are finalised.

Danjuma explained that NAPTAN is specifically asking the Federal Ministry of Education to create a structure guaranteeing parental input ahead of any new policy on examinations, curriculum or school fees, adding "This means we want to be part of consultations before any future policies on examinations, curriculum, or school fees are finalised."

The association also restated its position on examination costs, urging Government to continue paying Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees for candidates in public schools, a demand tied to the recent suspension of a proposed increase in WASSCE and NECO charges following public outcry.

Danjuma remarked that the suspension showed dialogue and collaboration are essential before policies are announced.

Beyond fees, NAPTAN cautioned against the creeping politicisation and commercialisation of education, maintaining that decisions on curriculum, assessment and school administration should be guided by learning outcomes and equity rather than political considerations or revenue targets.

The association pledged to work with the Federal Ministry of Education to improve access, quality and affordability across basic and secondary education. WAEC and NECO conduct the country's two major senior secondary examinations affecting millions of candidates annually, while UBEC coordinates federal intervention in basic education and NABTEB oversees technical and vocational examinations.