Parents Urge Wike to Reconsider 5% Tax on Private Schools Amid Hardship

Parents in Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils, FCT, have appealed to the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to reconsider the five per cent tax imposed on private schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The tax has been met with opposition due to the current economic challenges faced by Nigerian citizens.

Under the new tax regime, each school will be billed according to tuition paid by pupils/students and the number of enrolments.

However, the decision has been met with criticism from parents who argue that the tax is insensitive and inappropriate, given the current economic hardships.

Parents like Adebayo Ebeneza, a civil servant, believe that the tax is uncalled for and that the government should focus on finding solutions to alleviate the pain of the masses rather than introducing policies that inflict further hardship.

Mrs Zainab Sule, a businesswoman, expressed concern that the economic situation might force some parents to withdraw their wards from private schools.

She also pointed out that government-owned schools are not a viable alternative due to their own set of challenges, such as frequent strikes.

The appeal to reconsider the tax comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with the issue of out-of-school children.

Mrs Lucy Ademola, a tailor in Bwari town, urged the government to find a way to send these kids back to school rather than introducing policies that could potentially drive more children out of the education system.

Mr Tony Adejo, a driver, said that the incessant strike by public school teachers pushed him to enroll his children in a private school.

He added that any addition to school fees might be discouraging, given the current economic situation.

In light of the public outcry, the Head of Account, Department of Quality Assurance of the Education Secretariat, Mudi Muhammed, announced that the development would take effect from January 2024.

Parents are hoping that the government will reconsider this decision and take into account the hardships faced by Nigerian citizens.