By Uzo Ugwunze
The Owners of Private Schools Association of Nigeria (OPSAN) have called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State to review the outrageous multiple taxes and levies demanded by various government agencies from private school proprietors.
The association stated that the state government views them as business ventures and imposes exorbitant taxes and levies on them, while exempting public schools.
The National President of OPSAN, Prof. Uzochukwu Nwanonyuo (SUSU), made this statement in Onitsha during the Transition and Commissioning of the New Anambra State Executive led by Chief Sir Earnest Iwuamadi.
Nwanonyuo called on Governor Soludo to urgently intervene and alleviate the private schools' challenges related to multiple taxation, illegal levies, and other unwarranted payments.
"We hope that over time, the issue of multiple taxation will be addressed, as it has been our major challenge."
"Another challenge is the encroachment and harassment by the supposed 'Anambra State Joint Enforcement Unit.' The government needs to make the regulatory unit understand that schools are not similar to commercial environments. It requires decorum; otherwise, their activities have been affecting the quality of education in the state."
"We, the proprietors, are not running profit-oriented businesses; rather, we are providing social services for God and humanity, helping the government address the decadence in the educational system," said Nwanonyuo.
Furthermore, the new Anambra State OPSAN President, Chief Sir Earnest Iwuamadi, commended his predecessor for effective leadership and a successful transition. He decried the marginalization of private schools in several areas, pointing out that the government exempts public schools and Government-Mission schools from multiple levies and taxes, favoring public schools while offering assistance and making appointments. He also mentioned that the government does not post successful Common Entrance students to private secondary schools and imposes various demands on them.
"We are calling on our amiable Governor Soludo to remove multiple taxes and instead harmonize all school levies into one main tax payment for schools," said Iwuamadi.
Iwuamadi further stated that he would ensure that all OPSAN member schools yet to secure government approval are assisted in obtaining approval within the shortest possible time.
An OPSAN BOT member and former Ogidi zone Chairman, Dr. Lady Mary Obiokoye of Model Innovative School of Today, Nkpor, after blessing the past and incoming state OPSAN executives, pleaded with the Anambra State Government to consider giving more political appointments to proprietors from the private schools sector.
"I want the government to include at least two or three OPSAN members in this administration. Incorporate us into school boards, commissioners, or directors; we have resourceful personalities to help in governance," said Obiokoye.
Furthermore, Mr. Chibueze Ibeagha of Divine Knowledge School, Oba, after commending the former OPSAN State chairman, Nwanonyuo, for helping the association address several exorbitant and unwarranted levies from the government, pleaded with Governor Soludo's administration to help private schools access funds to boost their schools and provide learning materials for diversity, better learning, and understanding.
"I thank God for this August occasion of handing over today to a new state executive. The National President Nwanonyuo, SUSU, did achieve a lot for private schools, and I pray for God's wisdom upon the incoming executives to do more," said Ibeagha.
The newly inaugurated OPSAN Anambra State executives include:
- Chairman - Chief Sir Ernest Iwuamadi (Summer Heritage School Awada)
- Vice Chairman Academics - Mrs. Gloria Ekeoma (Royal Land School Omagba)
- Vice Chairman Administration - Prof. Michael Mojekeh (Great Leaders' Model School Isu-Aniocha)
- State Executive Secretary - Deacon Chukwkwudi Anyanwu (Great Dukes Field Academy Federal Housing Onitsha)
- Chief Press Secretary - Prof. Lynda Nkamigbo (Ashley Oaks Schools Nkwelle)
- Chief Accountant - Deaconess Royal Ikebuaso (Pink Berry School, Obosi)
- Executive Financial Secretary - Mrs. Akunne Joy (African Pride Demonstration School Ekwulobia)
- Executive Welfare Officer - Mrs. Ifenyinwa Nkamigbo (Blessed Wisdom Model School Onitsha)
- Public Relations Officer - Mrs. Eze Joy (Guardian Angel School Nkpor).
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of meritorious awards and gifts to about 60 outstanding members of the association.
Award recipients, Idemili South OPSAN Coordinator, Rev Nenweronu Edozieobi of One Foundation Gospel Schools, Oba, and Chief Emmanuel Itemba of Itemba Memorial Nursery & Primary School Enugwu-Aguleri, both commended the OPSAN National President and Electoral Committee for a smooth transition. They thanked the outgoing executive for recognizing their contributions to the association's growth.
Post a Comment