Receiving Regulatory Body or Any Government Officials In Your School Professionally, Especially When Your Association is in Contention with The Agency Represented

Receiving Regulatory Body or Any Government Officials In Your School Professionally, Especially When Your Association is in Contention with The Agency Represented

By: HEI Nigeria.

The above subject matter is important and delicate that it requires a combination of :

•  Professionalism.
• Unity.
• Diplomacy, and
• Legal Awareness.

As a Proprietor of a Private School, how you receive and respond to education supervisors or government officials—especially when there’s an association directive against certain charges or Instructions can greatly influence outcomes for your school and the collective interest of the Association.

 

It is also important to note the state of the nation in terms of illegality, abuse of laws, excessiveness of power and misconduct of some officials and so be guided on how to tackle this critical and sensitive issue. Therefore, it would be good to pay keen attention to this discuss.

 

You may need to consider this practical guide on how to receive, speak, and respond without driving yourself into loggerhead with them or implicating, jeopardizing the professional your Association has been using in engaging them:

 

🟩 1. Receive with Respect and Courtesy.

Even if you are resisting unlawful or excessive demands, never confront rudely or aggressively.

• Welcome them politely: Offer a Seat, Water, and treat them as professionals.

• Maintain body language of openness, not fear or hostility, minding your facial expressions as well.

• Ensure that your staff and students are calm and cooperative.

Why? Even if their visit has a questionable motive, they still represent an institution of authority. Endeavour to see each official in the light of the office represented. Being respectful protects your image and that of the Association.

 

🟩 2. Avoid Personal Confrontation or Arguments.

When questioned about non-compliance with certain demands or charges:

• Avoid speaking for yourself alone. Say:

> “We were advised by our Association (e.g NAPPS) to seek further clarification on that matter.”

Use neutral language:

> “I believe there are ongoing consultations between your office and the association.”

“We’re committed to due process and happy to comply with verified lawful requirements.” should be added.

Those should be the manner of response

🟩 3. Keep It Professional, Not Political.

Focus on:

• Your commitment to educational standards.
• The school’s effort in maintaining quality and safety.
• Your willingness to cooperate within the boundaries of the law.

Avoid:

• Criticizing government openly.

• Making accusations without evidence.
• Sounding rebellious. This is very important to note more.

🟩 4. Do Not Sign or Accept Anything in a Hurry.

If they present a form, demand, or fine:

• Ask for time to consult your association or legal team.
• Request for official documentation, not verbal claims.

You can Politely say:

> “Please allow us some time to process this through our association leadership.”

Speake respectfully or engage any reputable staff to do so. You must also curtail your anger. Anger management is part of leadership ability.

 

🟩 5. Report Promptly to Your Association.

Immediately after the visit:

• Document what was said or demanded.

• Share the details with your NAPPS local chapter or legal rep.
• If they were rude, intimidating or unprofessional, let the association escalate through proper means and not you. Your role here no matter what they do is to gather evidence of their conducts to update your association leadership or legal team.

 

🟩 6. Stay Compliant with Genuine Regulations.

Make sure your school:

• Has all relevant approvals and documentation up to date.

•  Keep accurate records (enrolment, teachers’ qualifications, safety reports, etc.).

•  Make sure your teachers are neat, child-friendly, and presentable at all times.

This gives you confidence to face any supervisor without fear. Your power is not in argument or even the court, it is in you operating within regulations and acceptable standard.

 

🟩 7. Stay United.

If all proprietors act in line with the association’s directive:

•  The government agency will have to engage the association formally. There will be no force but consultation with the association for amicable resolution on the next action.

 

•  It protects individual schools from being isolated and targeted.

 

> Avoid being the weak link. Don’t secretly pay or comply when others are resisting lawfully.

Most times, Government agencies use consultants or legal practitioners to effect regulations or collect revenue. It is wise as a unit school to have a consultant or two who can be called up to address stakeholders as they visit or serve you demand notice etc. It is expected that the consultant should be knowledgeable, experience in school running and have good understanding of the law and how Government system operates including their policies. This would solve 90% of the whole problems.

 

🔚 In Summary

Your approach should be:

✅ Respectful in tone.

✅ Firm on principles.

✅ Unified with your Association.

✅ Informed of your rights.

✅ Calm and documented in all engagements.

✅ Entertaining and logistics in nature no matter how it ends and don’t forget, work with a consultant or legal Adviser.

 

This balance ensures you’re safe, responsible, and still upholding the dignity of private education.

 

Goodluck in all your dialogue and relationship with stakeholders.

Courtesy : HEI Nigeria.

…Giving Helping Hands.

 

Note: If you want us to speak on this subject matter and expanciate better either on your association platform or your teachers, contact the Lead Director HEI Nigeria. 07013276772.