NAPPS condemns Copyright Commission for invade Fad-Far schools Lagos.

NAPPS condemns Copyright Commission for invade Fad-Far schools Lagos.

By Fashina Shakiru, Lagos.
Fly Cable News reports

A leading private educational institute, in Lagos State, Fad-Far schools has accused the Nigerian Copyright Commission of invading its premise over
alleged copyright infringement.

The school proprietor, Mrs Mutiat Bolanle Omisanya made the allegation in a press statement released to FLY CABLE NEWS reads: the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) forcefully invaded Fadfar Schools, allegedly on suspicions of copyright infringement, seized textbooks, and physically assaulted staff. This incident caused fear among students and sparked concern from parents.

According to the report, “On Thursday, 7th November 2024, a deeply troubling incident unfolded at Fadfar Schools involving officials from the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). The NCC team purportedly acting on suspicions of copyright infringement,
forcefully entered the school premises using aggressive tactics. They issued false accusations and seized a number of textbooks. During the chaotic operation, staff members suffered physical assaults, and property was unjustly confiscated. This aggressive behavior instilled a profound sense of fear among the students. As a result, numerous parents have been reaching out to the school, expressing concern over the safety and well-being of their children.”

Omisanya explained further that, “At approximately 11:15 AM, a group of officials from the NCC, accompanied by unidentified individuals and soldiers, arrived unexpectedly at Fadfar Schools without any prior notice or warrant. Upon arrival, when the staff members sought clarification and evidence of the alleged infringement, the NCC officials became hostile. They physically assaulted the staff members and began recording videos of the school premises and its staff. One particular staff member was specifically targeted during this altercation. His phone was unjustly confiscated, and there was an attempt to handcuff him. Furthermore, the NCC officials attempted to detain several staff members, purportedly for further interrogation.”

The unauthorized entry into school grounds, armed with weapons, without warrants or due process, resulting in physical assault and intimidation of staff, creating a hostile work environment. The wrongful confiscation of personal property, unlawful detention, and lack of transparency in investigations of copyright infringement raise concerns about fairness and justice. The school administration has filed a formal complaint against the Nigerian Copyright Commission’s actions, citing their unacceptable and excessive nature, and is currently consulting legal counsel, Proprietor noted.

Reacting to this on phone conversation this morning, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Lagos state chapter, President Yusuf Alaka has condemned the Nigerian Copyright Commission attacked and invaded private schools in Lagos’ state, insisting that children must be allowed to learn in a secure and safe environment.

“We are again confronted with the ugly news of the
Team of NCC in gangster and. terroristic methods to target some private schools in Lagos State. If there is any alleged copyright infringement, the commission should direct their concerns to the publishers rather than the school authorities or school owners. This is particularly pertinent as the majority of these schools have instructed parents to acquire textbooks from external sources.”

This action totally belittled and embarrassment for the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), and we will not accept this barbaric incident. What is the point of OP-EMAS with other armed security forces doing private schools during academic hours, disrupting the learning process, ill-handle staff, beat and confiscate their gadgets and go with school files? We have our videos evidence and this will be taken to the logical conclusion.

He urged the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned and ensure that such incidents do not recur, emphasizing the importance of creating and maintaining a conducive atmosphere where children, conduct an internal investigation, apologize to staff, and revise operational procedures for human rights.

Commenting, President Emeritus NAPPS Lagos, Dr Wasiu Adumadeyin, we understand that it is within the authority of the NCC to confiscate pirated items and prosecute the perpetrators. However, conducting these operations in educational settings while children are present is not an appropriate approach.

“It is common knowledge that schools do not engage in the publication or printing of books; instead, they purchase these materials from the open market or from suppliers. In many cases, schools lack the resources to differentiate between genuine and pirated copies. This raises the question: why is the NCC not targeting the actual sources of piracy? ”

However, providing schools with education and resources on how to identify and avoid pirated books could be a positive step, entering schools with armed personnel while children are learning is completely unacceptable, Adumadeyin said.

As at the time of filing this report, Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC yet to respond to calls and mail sent to get their reactions on the incident.