Private SHSs in Free SHS pilot programme demand payment of outstanding government arrears

Seventy private Senior High Schools (SHSs) participating in the Free SHS programme under a pilot arrangement have called on government to release outstanding arrears owed to them.

The schools say subsidies meant to cover the cost of providing one hot meal a day for students, as well as other recurrent operational expenses, have not been paid, despite repeated appeals to the authorities.

According to the schools, they have continued to deliver services throughout the 2025/2026 academic year, which is now nearing its end.

They warn that the delayed payments are affecting their operations and could disrupt preparations for the upcoming academic year.

Speaking to Citi News on Friday, June 5, the Public Relations Officer of the Conference of Heads and Proprietors of Private Secondary Schools (CHOPSS) said: “The academic year is almost ending, and we have not been paid.”

“We look forward to getting something from the government as we prepare for the next academic year,” he added.