The Enugu State Government has clarified that private schools are required to pay between ₦100,000 and ₦300,000 as education tax, refuting reports of a ₦5 million mandatory fee. The clarification was made by the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, in response to circulating misinformation.
Prof. Mbah explained that both new and existing private schools in the state are required to either register for provisional approval or renew their licenses, with fees determined by the school’s category. “The approved schedule of fees was released to the public earlier in June,” he added.
He urged the public to disregard reports claiming the administration of Governor Peter Mbah had imposed educational taxes ranging from ₦1 million to ₦5 million on private schools.
The commissioner emphasized that the Ministry of Education is empowered by law to maintain minimum educational standards in both public and private schools, as well as to regulate and monitor private institutions. He noted that some unlicensed private schools, fearing legal consequences such as imprisonment or closure, have launched a smear campaign against the government.
“The government is undeterred, as Governor Mbah will not fold his arms and watch the future of Enugu children destroyed by illegal and unscrupulous schools,” Prof. Mbah asserted.
He also highlighted that the ministry had engaged with educational stakeholders during the revision of the 2024 Enugu State Schools Licensing Fees Regulation, affirming the government’s commitment to educational reforms.