The Enugu State Government has clarified that private schools in the state were asked to pay an education tax ranging between N100,000 and N300,000, refuting claims of a mandatory N5 million payment.
The State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, addressed the issue in a statement on Thursday, stating that reports of a N5 million tax were incorrect. The clarification follows concerns raised by private school operators about the alleged hefty fee.
“New and existing private schools in the state are required to either register for provisional approval or have their licenses renewed.
“This is between ₦100,000 and ₦300,000, depending on the category the schools falls in. The approved schedule of fees was released to the public earlier in June,” he said.
He urged the public to disregard the publication that the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration has imposed N1 million to N5m mandatory payment on private schools in the state as educational taxes.
“Extant laws empower the Ministry of Education to maintain minimum standards of education for both public and private schools.
“The ministry is also empowered to streamline and enhance the effective administration, monitoring, and supervision of private schools,” the commissioner said.
The commissioner, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, pointed out that some defaulters, fearing the legal consequences of running unlicensed private schools—such as imprisonment of up to 10 years and potential school closures—have resorted to launching a smear campaign against the government.
He reiterated that the state’s regulatory reforms are aimed at ensuring quality education and compliance with the law, urging school operators to align with the new guidelines.
“The government is undeterred, as Governor Mbah will not fold his arms and watch the future of Enugu children destroyed by illegal and unscrupulous schools and proprietors,” he stated.
Prof. Ndubueze Mbah further explained that the Ministry of Education had conducted multiple engagements with stakeholders in the education sector during the revision of the 2024 Enugu State Schools Licensing Fees Regulation.
He emphasized that the reforms are aimed at improving the state’s education system and assured that the government would not back down on implementing the necessary changes.
(NAN)
