Private School Owners in Enugu State Cry Out Over Excessive Taxation and Unfair Policies

Private school owners in Enugu State are up in arms over what they describe as "heavy taxation" and "stringent measures" by the state government, which they claim are threatening the very existence of their institutions. The owners are decrying taxes ranging from N450,000 to N2.2 million, depending on school size, which they say is unsustainable.

The Issues:

Heavy Taxation: Private schools are being forced to pay exorbitant taxes, with some owners alleging that the government is more interested in generating revenue than supporting education.

Unified Exam: Private schools are required to conduct a unified exam in SS 2 as a condition for WAEC and NECO registration, which owners see as an overreach of authority.

Census Figures: The government collects census figures from private schools, which owners believe is unnecessary and burdensome.

School Closures: The government has ordered the shutdown of unapproved private schools, citing substandard facilities and lack of registration.

Data Upload: Private schools are required to upload their data on the ministry's portal, which owners see as a threat to their autonomy, especially since students are on holiday.

The Consequences:

School Shutdowns: Many private schools may be forced to shut down due to the heavy taxation and stringent measures.

Loss of Jobs: Thousands of teachers and staff may lose their jobs if private schools are shut down.

Education Crisis: The state's education sector may face a crisis if private schools are unable to operate effectively.

The Solutions:

Downward Review of Taxes: A downward review of taxes to make them more manageable for private school owners.

Categorization of Schools:

Categorizing schools into high, medium, and low-cost schools to ensure fair taxation.

Financial Support: Providing financial and material support to private schools to improve their facilities and operations.

Moratorium: A 3-year moratorium to allow schools to improve structures and facilities without fear of closure.

Dialogue and Consultation: Engaging in dialogue and consultation with private school owners to address their concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions.

Extension of Data Upload Deadline: Considering an extension of the data upload deadline to a later date, after the holiday period, to allow schools to comply without disrupting their operations.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by private school owners in Enugu State and the need for a more supportive and inclusive education policy.

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