AFED Elects New Lagos Executives, Calls for Greater Support for Private Schools

The Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) has successfully conducted its 2026 Lagos State leadership election, with members electing new executives while also calling for increased government support for low-cost private schools across Nigeria.

The election took place at Aladura Comprehensive College and attracted delegates from the six districts of the association within Lagos State. A total of 218 accredited delegates participated in the voting process.

Several members contested for different leadership positions including State Controller, Deputy Controller, Auditor, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, and Welfare Officer. However, only the positions of Deputy Controller, General Secretary, and Auditor were actively contested, while others were filled unopposed.

Speaking during the event, AFED National President, Orji Kalu Emmanuel, described the election as peaceful and a reflection of the association’s democratic values. He explained that AFED holds elections every four years in line with its constitutional provisions and commitment to leadership renewal.

According to him, the election was not only about filling leadership positions but also about strengthening unity within the association and introducing fresh ideas that would improve educational development.

Emmanuel stated that AFED’s major objective remains supporting private school owners, especially operators of low-cost schools, to improve educational standards and contribute meaningfully to national growth.

He highlighted some of the association’s achievements over the past 25 years, noting that AFED has consistently supported private schools facing financial and regulatory difficulties. He explained that many private schools often struggle with issues such as inadequate funding, low school fees, and accusations of operating below standard.

The AFED president also revealed that the association has partnered with educational organisations, including Edifa, to provide free professional training and certification opportunities for school owners and teachers.

In addition, AFED has facilitated access to interest-free loans and cooperative programmes that have helped some members acquire land and establish school facilities. The association also organises a nationwide unified examination every year and provides scholarships for outstanding students.

“We have received recognition from governments across various states and currently the federal government is also working with us,” Emmanuel stated during the event.

At the conclusion of the election, James Lartey-Lartey was re-elected as State Controller for a second term after previously serving in the same role for four years.

Other elected officials include Juliana Ndidi Gabson as Deputy Controller, Marcus Stella Uloaku as Auditor, Elizabeth Ajogbeje as Welfare Officer, and Kadri Nureni Adewale as General Secretary.

Speaking after his re-election, Lartey-Lartey attributed his victory to the confidence members had in his previous administration. He stated that his second term would focus on teacher training, school owner development, integrity, and inclusive leadership.

He stressed that improving teacher training would lead to better learning outcomes for children and revealed plans to introduce educational support programmes for children with special needs, including those with hearing impairments.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Election Committee, Mons Bakari, explained that measures were introduced to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process. He said ballot papers with candidates’ photographs were distributed to delegates to improve transparency during voting.

Bakari also highlighted major challenges affecting many private schools, particularly low tuition fees and poor infrastructure. According to him, several schools charge as little as ₦15,000 in fees and still operate from rented buildings, making it difficult to pay teachers adequately or improve facilities.

He appealed to both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to provide soft loans and financial support for private schools. He added that AFED member schools continue to serve underserved communities and rural areas, helping to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.