Reps Debate Bill to Ban Civil Servants From Private Schools, Hospitals

Reps Debate Bill to Ban Civil Servants From Private Schools, Hospitals
Lawmaker says officials avoid services they’re meant to improve
Bill aims to boost public confidence in schools, hospitals

The House of Representatives has commenced deliberations on a proposed bill that seeks to prohibit public and civil servants, along with their immediate families, from attending private schools or using private hospitals.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the bill, introduced during plenary by the representative of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State, passed its first reading on the floor of the House. It aims to compel government workers to use public schools and hospitals only, thereby boosting confidence in the nation’s public service system.

According to the lawmaker, many public officials deliberately avoid the public institutions they supervise, contributing to their neglect and poor quality. He argued that this has led to a widespread preference for private and foreign services, while government-funded schools and health centres continue to suffer from underfunding and mismanagement.

He cited data indicating that over $38 million was spent on foreign education by Nigerians between January and March 2024, while an estimated $1 billion is spent annually on medical tourism. He said such trends undermine national development and reflect a lack of faith in local institutions.

The lawmaker emphasized that with the removal of petrol subsidies and increasing economic hardship, it was time public servants led by example by patronizing the same services available to ordinary Nigerians.

Ban Civil Servants From Private Schools Hospitals

If passed into law, the bill will criminalize the use of private or foreign education and healthcare services by government workers and their immediate families, reinforcing accountability and a renewed focus on public sector development.