Banning Public Servants from Private Schools and Hospitals

Nigeria’s Bold Proposal: Can Banning Public Servants from Private Schools and Hospitals Transform Public Trust?

In 2025, Nigeria’s House of Representatives shook the national discourse with a provocative bill: the Private Institutions and Health Care Service Providers (Prohibition) Bill. Sponsored by Hon. Amobi Ogah from Abia State, the bill seeks to ban public and civil servants and their families from patronizing private schools, hospitals, and seeking medical attention abroad.

Supporters hail it as a transformative move to reinvest in public systems. Detractors warn of rights violations and systemic strain. But one thing is clear: Nigeria is asking hard questions about leadership accountability and the social contract.

The Bill at a Glance

• Scope: Applies to all public and civil servants and their immediate families.
• Intent: Restore public confidence by mandating officials to use services they manage.
• Motivation: Nigeria reportedly lost over $29 billion to medical tourism under the Buhari administration.
• Current Status: Passed its first reading in the House and gaining traction in public discourse.

Public Reactions

Voices of Support

• Hon. Ogah calls the bill “a turning point in Nigeria’s history.”
• Diaspora Nigerians highlight how UK officials use public services, suggesting Nigeria should follow suit.
• Teachers and civil society actors believe the bill would compel real improvements in schools and hospitals.

Voices of Concern

• Critics question the legality, asking if it infringes on personal freedoms and parental choice.
• Stakeholders argue the government must first upgrade public institutions before mandating usage.
• Legal experts warn of constitutional hurdles, and some officials worry about VIP security and privacy.

Global Comparisons: How Does Nigeria’s Move Stack Up?

Nigeria’s proposal is rare on the world stage. While other nations promote public service usage through incentives and political example, few legislate it.

Country	Policy Type	Public Servant Restrictions	Notes
India	Encouragement, not enforcement	Some state-level mandates	Focus is on public trust; no nationwide restriction
UK	NHS dominates	No legal restriction	Politicians often choose public services voluntarily
Rwanda	Public-first ethos	No formal ban	Officials are expected to use public services to build trust
Cuba	Fully public system	Entire population uses public services	Private options are almost nonexistent
Saudi Arabia (historical)	High public investment	Leaders once sought care abroad, including Nigeria in the 60s–70s	Shifted with changing infrastructure quality

Nigeria’s bill stands out for its legal mandate, inclusive scope, and targeting of foreign services, a rare trifecta globally.

Potential Impact on Public Services

Healthcare

• Likely increase in investments and upgrades to public hospitals.
• Pressure on the system may rise if reforms are not preemptive.
• Greater leadership accountability could improve trust and outcomes.

Education

• Could lead to revitalization of public schools, improved facilities, and better curriculum.
• May bridge social divides, especially in urban centers.
• Cultural resistance may linger due to long-held prestige associated with private institutions.

Unaddressed Essentials

• Legal clarity: Enforcement mechanisms and constitutionality remain uncertain.
• Budget reform: Without new funding, institutions may buckle under added demand.
• Social dynamics: Risk of elite carving out special privileges within public systems.
• Mindset Shift: Public perception of quality must be redefined through consistent improvements.

A Moment of Reckoning

At its core, this proposal challenges Nigeria to reimagine leadership by example. By forcing politicians and civil servants to live within the systems they govern, it could set off a ripple of reforms that rebalance inequality, revive civic pride, and restore functionality.

Or, if poorly executed, it could deepen distrust and overwhelm public institutions. Either way, Nigeria has opened the door to a profound national conversation, and the world is watching.