Private schools in Enugu State have significantly raised their tuition fees, with increases of over 35%, following a sharp hike in taxes and charges imposed by the state government. Some schools have seen fee hikes as high as 50%, with certain institutions now burdened with over N2 million in taxes. For instance, schools that once charged between N19,000 to N30,000 are now demanding N50,000, making education increasingly unaffordable for many.
The new tax regime, introduced by the government, requires even the smallest private schools to pay at least N1 million in taxes. A document obtained by SaharaReporters reveals that private schools are now subjected to more than N3.4 million in various charges, sparking a sharp decline in school enrollment.
The government, however, claims to only be collecting between N100,000 and N300,000, but documentation suggests actual charges exceed N1.45 million, with multiple agencies imposing additional levies such as environmental health inspection and waste management fees.
The document, signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, outlines revised licensing fees, with charges varying based on the school level, ranging from N100,000 to N500,000. The mounting fees have caused education in the state to become a luxury few can afford, with parents struggling to keep up with the rising costs.