Private school owners in Edo State staged a peaceful protest in Benin on Friday, voicing their concerns over what they described as an “alarming increase” in personal income taxes imposed by the state government.
Operating under the Coalition of Associations of Private Schools (CAPS), the school proprietors gathered at the Ministry of Education, carrying placards and banners to express their grievances.
CAPS includes the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), Association of Formidable Education Development (AFED), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), and the Association of Islamic Model Schools.
The protesters called for the reversal of a tax hike they claimed ranged from 200% to 400%, labeling it as punitive and unsustainable.
Dr. Ohis-Olakhe Emmanuel, Chairman of the coalition and leader of the protest, explained that the group had explored all avenues for dialogue before resorting to the demonstration.
Emmanuel stated, “Private schools not only complement government efforts in the education sector, but also serve as major employers of labor. With this increase, over 300,000 teachers could lose their jobs, along with many vendors and service providers who rely on schools for their livelihoods.”
He criticized the tax calculation method, which was based on a per-student estimate of N30,000 to N35,000, despite many schools charging much less. Emmanuel emphasized that taxes should be based on profit, not gross income, given the operational expenses schools face.
Dr. Austin Igbasan, Secretary of the coalition, warned that the tax increase could have far-reaching consequences, including school closures, job losses, and a rise in out-of-school children, particularly in low-income families.
Oladele Ogundele, Secretary of AFED, echoed these concerns and called for a unified tax system for school owners. He pointed out various levies on schools, such as personal income tax, PAYE for staff, renewal fees, environmental and health certificates, signage fees, and tenement rates.
Ogundele remarked, “Education is a social service and should be supported, not taxed to extinction. The Nigerian Constitution and the Universal Basic Education Act emphasize free and compulsory education, and this level of taxation contradicts that principle.”
In response, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, assured the protesters that the government would review their concerns. He promised to arrange a meeting with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) to address the issues raised.
“Taxes are essential for the government to fulfill its obligations, but we will ensure that schools are not overburdened,” Iyamu said. He also urged schools failing to meet minimum standards to take corrective actions, warning that strict enforcement measures would soon be implemented.
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