Reps introduce bill to ban public servants from using private schools, hospitals

The House of Representatives has introduced a bill seeking to prohibit public and civil servants from patronising private schools and hospitals in Nigeria.

The bill sponsored by Amobi Ogah (LP–Abia) was presented for first reading during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

In his lead debate, Ogah described the proposed legislation as a turning point in Nigeria’s history.

Ogah said the bill aimed to bar all public and civil servants, including their immediate family members, from using private educational and healthcare services.

According to him, the objective is to eliminate conflicts of interest, build public trust, and uphold the integrity of public institutions.

The lawmaker stated: “Before Nigeria attained independence and became a republic, our foremost statesmen were educated in government schools.

“Sir Ahmadu Bello attended Sokoto Provincial School and Katsina Training College (now Barewa College), Nnamdi Azikiwe went to Holy Trinity College and Christ Church School in Onitsha.

“Likewise Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Alhaji Tafawa Balewa.”

Ogah said the preference for private institutions among today’s public officials was detrimental to the nation’s development.

FG to deploy private CBT centres for school-based SSCE

“It has become an unwholesome trend for public and civil servants to seek private educational and healthcare services for themselves and their families, to the detriment of our economy,” he stated.

Citing government spending, Ogah noted that while Nigeria allocated N1.33 trillion to healthcare in the 2024 budget, the country spent an estimated N1.6 trillion or more than $1 billion annually on medical treatment abroad.

Ogah added that Nigerians spent at least $29.29 billion on overseas medical expenses during the eight-year administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In the education sector, he said Nigerians spent $38.17 million on foreign education between January and March 2024, and $218.87 million in 2023.

The lawmaker added: “The time for truth is now. We cannot continue damaging the psyche of Nigerians.

“If we can remove petroleum subsidies, we must also take bold steps to reform public service behaviour by passing this bill.”

Ogah called on Nigerians to support the bill and foster a new national consciousness that prioritised local institutions.

The Star