By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Government is set to introduce a unified payment system for private schools to eliminate multiple taxation, enhance transparency and shield school proprietors from unauthorised financial demands.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, disclosed this on November 5 during a meeting with Heads of Private School Associations at the State Secretariat Complex, Awka.
Dr. Ogugua explained that the meeting was organised to strengthen collaboration between government and private school operators towards building a progressive and inclusive education system in the state. He emphasised the need for private schools to align with the education vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
He said the proposed unified payment system would provide clear information on approved levies and recognised revenue collection agencies, thereby preventing arbitrary charges and unauthorised collections. He urged school proprietors to report any financial demands not covered by officially approved payments.
The commissioner also reiterated the state government’s ban on graduation ceremonies in schools, warning that institutions found violating the directive would face appropriate disciplinary action.
According to him, the policy was introduced by Governor Soludo to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure that no child is made to feel inferior or disadvantaged because of their family’s economic situation.
Dr. Ogugua further warned that, beginning next year, schools, administrators, teachers and invigilators found facilitating examination malpractice would face legal consequences, including possible closure of affected schools.
Expressing concern over the growing perception of Anambra State as a centre for examination malpractice, he urged private school associations to ensure strict compliance with government regulations and submit lists of unregistered schools operating under their respective associations.
The Director of Schools, Mrs. Oyibor Alor, cautioned against individuals impersonating government agents to extort money from unregistered schools. She advised school proprietors to seek clarification and appropriate guidance directly from the Ministry of Education.
Earlier, the Head of AFAD, Mr. Ochuko Uzochukwu, appealed to the government to address the challenge of multiple taxation affecting private schools, while a representative of the associations assured the government of their cooperation in advancing Governor Soludo’s vision of equitable, progressive and accessible education.
Obiageli Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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