Private school owners in Edo State staged a peaceful protest on Friday, decrying a sharp increase in personal income taxes imposed by the state government, which they claim could force closures and job losses.
Members of the Coalition of Associations of Private Schools (CAPS), comprised of the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), Association of Formidable Education Development (AFED), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), and Association of Islamic Model Schools, converged at the Ministry of Education, brandishing placards and banners to voice their discontent.
The protesters allege that the tax hike ranges from 200 to a staggering 4000 percent, characterizing it as “punitive and unsustainable.” They are urging the state government to urgently reverse the decision.
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“Private schools not only complement government efforts in the education sector but are also major employers of labour,” stated Dr. Ohis-Olakhe Emmanuel, chairman of CAPS and leader of the protest. “With this increase, over 300,000 teachers are at risk of losing their jobs, not to mention the many vendors and service providers who relied on schools for their livelihoods.” He explained that the coalition had exhausted all prior avenues for dialogue before resorting to public demonstration.
Dr. Emmanuel further criticized the method of tax computation, stating it was based on a per-student estimate of N30,000 to N35,000, despite many schools charging significantly less in fees. He emphasized that taxes should be based on profit, factoring in operational expenses, rather than gross income.
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Dr. Austin Igbasan, Secretary of the coalition, warned of dire consequences stemming from the tax increase, including potential school closures, widespread job losses, and a surge in theumber of out-of-school children, particularly from low-income families.
Mr. Oladele Ogundele, Secretary of AFED, echoed these sentiments and called for a harmonized tax regime for school proprietors. He pointed to the multiplicity of levies already imposed on schools, including personal income tax, PAYE for staff, renewal fees, environmental and health certificates, signage fees, and tenement rates.
“Education is a social service and should be supported, not taxed into extinction,” Ogundele asserted. “The Nigerian Constitution and the Universal Basic Education Act emphasize free and compulsory education. This level of taxation contradicts that principle.”
Responding to the protesters, Edo Commissioner for Education Mr. Paddy Iyamu assured them that the government would review their demands. He pledged to convene a meeting with the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) to address the concerns raised by the school owners.
“Taxes are necessary for the government to meet its obligations, but we will ensure schools are not overburdened,” Iyamu stated.
He also used the opportunity to urge schools that are currently falling short of minimum operational standards to take immediate corrective actions, warning that the government would soon begin strict enforcement actions. The outcome of the promised review and meeting with the EIRS is eagerly awaited by the private school community in Edo State.
