The annual convention the National Association of Catholic Diocesan Directors/Secretaries of Education (NACDDED) took place in Jalingo, Taraba State, from the 3rd to the 6^th of February 2020 with the theme NIGERIA’S EDUCATION LAWS AND POLICIES AS IT CONCERNS NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA. Most of the (Arch) dioceses were represented at the event. The Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi also attended the convention. The opening mass was presided over by the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. George Gogo in place of the Bishop, Most Rev. Charles M. Hammawa, Bishop of Jalingo who was unavoidably absent. The convention was attended by forty-tow (42) Education Directors/ Secretaries from across the dioceses.

During the course of the meeting, the CSN  Education Secretary thanked the diocesan Education Directors/Secretaries for their collaboration with the central office. He gave them an update regarding the activities of the CSN education unit in 2019 and sought for their co-operation in the accomplishment of the proposed 2020 programmes including the academic integrity seminars to be organized in all ecclesiastical provinces. Fr. Augustine Okochi also explained the need for diocesan education Directors and Secretaries to collaborate with the health, family/ human life, migration and refugees and JDPC units in their respective dioceses as we all belong to the same Church and Society Department. This way of working, he explained, is in accordance with the aims and objectives of the CBCN. He further explained to them that most of the activities of the Education Unit of the CSN will be carried out mostly in the provinces and in the dioceses rather than in Abuja so as to reach as many people as possible.

The NACDDED  Chairman, Rev. Fr. Paschal Onwugbenu, in his own address, thanked the CSN  Education Secretary for deepening collaboration between the National and the diocesan education offices. He pledged the preparedness of the diocesan Directors and Secretaries to implement the educational policies of the CBCN with utmost vigour.

Elections were held and new national officers elected as follows:

Rev. Fr. Francis Atama (Oturkpo diocese) – Chairman

Rev. Fr. Edward Inyanwachi (Abakaliki diocese) – Vice President

Rev. Fr. Chris Inegbenoghu (Abuja Archdiocese) – Secretary

Rev. Fr. Mdaki Emmanuel ( Kaduna diocese) – Vice Secretary

Rev. Fr. Hilary Nwajagu                                 –  Financial Secretary

Rev. Fr. Andrew Igbana  (Gboko diocese) – Treasurer

RESOLUTIONS MADE AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC DIOCESAN DIRECTORS/SECRETARIES OF EDUCATION (NACDDED) ON THE THEME: “NIGERIA EDUCATION LAWS AND POLICIES AS IT CONCERNS NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS”, HELD AT THE ST CHARLES BORROMEO PASTORAL CENTRE, MILE SIX, JALINGO FROM 3RD TO 6TH FEBRUARY 2020. 

 INTRODUCTION 

We the members of the National Association of Diocesan Directors/Secretaries of Education (NACDDED), held our Annual conference at the St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Centre, Mile Six, Jalingo from 3rd to 6th February 2020 and deliberated on issues concerning Educational Laws and Policies for non-public schools in Nigeria. 

In the course of our deliberations, we affirmed that Catholic education is integral and holistic. The Church in Nigeria has made tremendous contributions to support the State in the provision of quality education. However, we observed the following: 

• In states where the government has good relationship with faith-based schools, quality of education has improved.
• Frequent harassment through multiple taxation and levies by government officials, stifle growth and generate conflict.
• The wrong perception of faith-based schools as profit-making ventures robs them of their identity and effectiveness.
• Lack of understanding of the clear-cut policies and laws on the operation of not for profit schools by some government officials leads to confusion.

 In the light of the observations made, we arrived at the following resolutions:  

1. There is urgent need for parents and well-meaning individuals to engage government at all levels, demanding the rights of their children and asking the government to live up to their responsibilities.
2. The rights of non-public schools to operate should be supported with adequate provisions, as enshrined in the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Law.
3. We urge faith-based schools to use all legitimate forms of advocacy aimed at securing legislation and practices that would help to promote the attainment of Educational Goals in Nigeria.
4. Schools must serve the interest of the society. Government should extend assistance to children in non-public schools as they are also bona fide citizens of the State.
5. All stakeholders should collaborate with government and faith-based providers of education to improve the quality of education for the Nigerian child.
6. State educational laws should be reviewed to address present challenges and realities of citizens especially in non-public schools.
7. Government at all levels should do everything legally possible to curb insurgency in the country and create enabling environment for the Nigerian child to attain academic excellence.  

CONCLUSION 

The Association concludes the conference optimistic that the implementation of these resolutions will bring about the desired goal of educating the Nigerian child. 

We therefore invoke the Holy Spirit to help us as we entrust ourselves to Mary, Seat of Wisdom that she may intercede for us now and forever more. Amen. 

 Signed.