Private schools in Enugu increase tuition fees by 50% amid governor Mbah’s hike in taxation

Private schools in Enugu State have hiked their tuition fees by over 35% due to the state government’s increase in taxes and charges imposed on them. 
This surge in fees has left parents and guardians struggling to make ends meet. 
In some schools, the fees have skyrocketed by 50%, with some institutions now paying over N2million in taxes. 
For instance, schools that initially charged between N19,000 to N30,000 have now increased their fees to N50,000. This drastic change came after the government introduced a new tax regime, requiring even the smallest private schools to pay at least N1 million in taxes.
The situation is dire, and education, which is a fundamental right, is slowly becoming a luxury only a few can afford. 
A document obtained by SaharaReporters reveals that the Enugu State government had increased to over N3.4 million charges imposed on private schools through various means. 
The document exposed the state government’s aggressive revenue collection tactics, which are having a devastating impact on school enrollment in the state.
This was also in contrast to the claim by the Enugu State government that it is only collecting between N100,000 to N300,000 depending on which category the schools fall. 
However, a document SaharaReporters obtained show that the government contrary to its claims is collecting with different heading in excess of N1,450,000. In addition, the state government is also using multiple agencies to obtain from private schools additional taxes such as environmental health inspection fees, Enugu Waste Management Authority (ESWMA) fees.
The Document which was titled: “2024 Enugu State Revised Schools Licencing Fees Regulation,” REF: ENS/MOE/POLICY/0003 and dated June 3, 2024, was personally signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah,
“By virtue of the Education Law Cap 37. Revised Laws Of Enugu State 2004, And Enugu State Of Nigeria Education (Amendment) Law 2017, Section 56, to ensure minimum standards of education, to streamline private schools within the Basic and Post-Basic Education system, as well as to enhance the effective administration, monitoring, and supervision of private schools, the Honourable Commissioner for Education of Enugu State has approved the following revised schools licensing fees:
“Application Fee For Registration Inspection: Senior Secondary/STVS 1-3 – N200,000.00; Complete Basic: Nursery 1-3, Primary 1-6, & JSS 1-3- N250,000.00; Intermediate Basic: Nursery 1-3 & Primary 1-6 -N200,000.00; Early Childhood: Nursery 1-3 & Primary 1-3 – N100,000.00.”
“2-year Provisional Approval Fee: Senior Secondary/STVS 1-3 – N300,000; Complete Basic: Nursery 1-3, Primary 1-6, & JSS 1-3 – N500,000.00; Intermediate Basic: Nursery 1-3 & Primary 1-6 – N200,000; Early Childhood: Nursery 1-3 & Primary 1-3 – N100,000.00.”
“Application Fee For License Inspection: Senior Secondary/STVS 1-3 – N200,000.00; Complete Basic: Nursery 1-3, Primary 1-6, & JSS 1-3 – N250,000.00; Intermediate Basic: Nursery 1-3 & Primary 1-6 – N200,000.00; Early Childhood: Nursery 1-3 & Primary 1-3 – 100,000.00.”
“Academic Year Licence Renewal Fee: Senior Secondary/ STVS 1-3 – N200,000.00; Complete Basic: Nursery 1-3, Primary 1-6, & JSS 1-3 – N300,000.00 – Intermediate Basic: Nursery 1-3 & Primary 1-6 -N200,000.00; Early Childhood: Nursery 1-3 & Primary 1-3 – N150,000.00.”
The document, however, noted that all payments should be made to Enugu State IGR Account.