Ekiti private schools embark on 3-day strike over new tax policy

Proprietors of private schools in Ekiti state on Monday shut their schools to protest government’s new tax policy.

In a circular from the ministry of education, government announced the introduction of ‘Education Development Levy’ of N1,000 on each student in secondary schools, and N500 per pupil in primary schools.

Saka Adeleye, president, National Association of Proprietors and Proprietress of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Ekiti, who addressed a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, said the schools would remain closed for three days.

He described the levy as multiple taxation, adding that government had imposed different taxes on them.

He listed the taxes to include annual renewal fee; personal income tax; pay as you earn for staff; personal development fee; registration of business premises fee; environment levy; vehicle permit fee and tenement rate.

Adeleye said before the decision to close down the schools was taken, several attempts were made to meet the governor.

“We have made several attempts to meet the governor but all efforts proved abortive,” he said.

“Even the meeting we were able to have with the commissioner for education, ended half way as he was summoned by the governor mid-way into the meeting.

“He promised to get back to us but till this moment, we never heard from him.”