The Anambra State Government plans to introduce a unified payment system for private schools to eliminate multiple taxation, enhance transparency and protect proprietors from unauthorised financial demands, the education commissioner said.
Dr Ekene Ogugua made the disclosure during a meeting with heads of private school associations at the State Secretariat Complex in Awka.
The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between the government and private school operators towards building a progressive and inclusive education system in the state, he said.
Ogugua stressed the need for private schools to align with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s education vision. The proposed system would provide clear information on approved levies and recognised revenue collection agencies, preventing arbitrary charges and unauthorised collections.
He urged school proprietors to report any financial demands outside 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 disciplinary measures.
The policy, introduced by Governor Soludo, was designed to reduce the financial burden on parents and ensure that no child felt inferior or disadvantaged because of their family’s economic circumstances, he said.
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 institutions.
He expressed concern over the growing perception of Anambra as a centre for examination malpractice and urged private school associations to ensure strict compliance with government regulations and to submit lists of unregistered schools operating under their associations.
Director of Schools Mrs Oyibor Alor cautioned against individuals impersonating government agents to extort money from unregistered schools and advised proprietors to seek clarification directly from the Ministry of Education.
The Head of AFAD, Mr Ochuko Uzochukwu, appealed to the government to address the challenge of multiple taxation affecting private schools. A representative of the associations assured the government of their cooperation in advancing Governor Soludo’s vision of equitable, progressive and accessible education across the state.
