Tutorial centres seek FG’s support
Nigerian tutorial centres are seeking federal government recognition and support, aiming to be seen as partners in improving the country's education sector and combating examination malpractice.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
The Association of Tutorial School Operators (ATSO) has urged the Federal Government to acknowledge tutorial centres as vital partners in education, emphasizing their role in imparting knowledge and discipline. They believe their expertise can be leveraged to enhance educational standards and are actively working with security agencies to eliminate illegal practices within the sector.
Imagine you have extra classes after school to help you get really good at your subjects, like math or science. These 'tutorial centres' are like those extra classes, and the people who run them want the government to see them as helpers, not just outsiders. They believe they can work with the government to make sure all kids get a good education and stop cheating on tests, and they even hold contests to celebrate smart kids!
Analysis
The call by the Association of Tutorial School Operators (ATSO) for federal government support underscores a critical juncture for Nigeria's education system. Tutorial centres, often operating in a grey area, are now actively seeking formal integration and recognition, arguing that they are not merely 'shadow industries' but essential contributors to academic development. Their appeal is rooted in the belief that their direct engagement with students, particularly those aspiring to higher education, provides a valuable resource that the government should harness rather than overlook.
Association of Tutorial School Operators
The Association of Tutorial School Operators (ATSO) is positioning itself as a key stakeholder in the national education agenda. The association's leadership asserts that its members are committed to upholding high educational standards and are actively working to curb illicit activities, particularly examination malpractices, which have long plagued the sector. By collaborating with security agencies like the Department of State Services and the police, ATSO aims to self-regulate and purge its ranks of criminal elements, thereby building credibility and trust with the government and the public.
This proactive stance by ATSO is a strategic move to differentiate legitimate tutorial centres from those that might engage in unethical practices. They are advocating for a shift in perception, from being viewed as external entities to being recognized as integral components of the educational infrastructure. Such recognition could unlock opportunities for structured collaboration, resource sharing, and policy integration, ultimately benefiting students and the broader education system.
Prince Idowu Adewale
Prince Idowu Adewale, the National President of ATSO, has been a vocal proponent of this partnership, articulating the association's vision for a more integrated educational ecosystem. His statements at the 2026 Most Brilliant Contest Grand Finale in Akure emphasized that tutorial centres offer more than just supplementary learning; they instill discipline and provide crucial support for students' academic aspirations. Adewale's insistence that the government 'tap into the resources and expertise we possess' highlights a desire for a symbiotic relationship where both parties contribute to national development.
Adewale's leadership is also focused on internal reform, as evidenced by his strong condemnation of illegality within the tutorial sector. He has pledged ATSO's full support to government efforts to 'eradicate examination malpractice or reduce it to the barest minimum.' This commitment to ethical conduct is central to ATSO's bid for legitimacy and government endorsement, aiming to reassure stakeholders that their involvement would be a force for good.
Most Brilliant Contest
The 'Most Brilliant Contest Grand Finale,' organized by ATSO, serves as a tangible demonstration of the association's commitment to academic excellence and student development. According to Adewale, the competition is designed to reward hard work and diligence, promoting a culture of academic achievement among Nigerian youth. This initiative aligns with ATSO's broader goal of encouraging students to read and learn beyond the immediate objective of gaining university admission, fostering a deeper appreciation for knowledge.
Michael Shodunke, the immediate past national president, further elaborated that the contest aims to transform academically inclined youths into 'stars,' mirroring how other competitions celebrate talent in areas like beauty. Samuel Ologun, the ATSO Governor in Ondo State, reinforced this, describing academic excellence as a core value of the association. Such events not only motivate students but also provide a platform for tutorial centres to showcase their positive contributions to society, reinforcing their argument for government recognition and support.
Key points
- The Association of Tutorial School Operators (ATSO) seeks federal government recognition as partners in education.
- ATSO believes tutorial centres can help improve educational standards and instill discipline.
- The association is collaborating with security agencies to combat examination malpractice among its members.
- ATSO organized the 'Most Brilliant Contest' to promote academic excellence and reward diligent students.
- Leaders emphasize that tutorial centres are not 'shadow industries' but valuable resources for the education sector.
If the Federal Government recognizes and collaborates with tutorial centres, it could lead to a more structured and effective supplementary education system. This partnership could significantly improve overall educational standards, reduce examination malpractice through joint efforts, and provide better support for students aiming for higher education.
Should the government fail to acknowledge or support tutorial centres, they may continue to operate without proper oversight, potentially allowing unscrupulous operators to persist in illegal activities. This lack of integration could hinder efforts to improve educational quality and combat examination malpractice effectively across the country.