•••Tasks Sokudo To Save Them From Burden of Multiple Taxations, Illegal Levies
By John Ugo, Awka
Members of the Anambra State Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), have appealed to Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, to save them from the burden of multiple taxation, illegal levies and disparities in payment in the state.
They also tasked the various regulatory agencies of the state government to be proactive towards enhancing the quality of education.
Chairperson of the Association, Mrs Amaka Ezedebego stated this during the Association’s 2022 Maiden Education Convention, with the Theme ‘Applying Best Practices In Achieving Educational Goals’, held in Awka, the state capital.
She said, “The challenges facing private schools in Anambra State, are overwhelming. The major challenge is the lack of effectiveness of regulatory bodies that should regulate our activities and provide support for private schools in terms of accreditation and protection from several levies and taxes from the concerned agencies.
“They see us as milk. We pay multiple taxation and illegal levies. We are tired of paying multiple taxes, and illegal levies to Anambra govt agencies.
“We are using this medium to call on the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to look into our tears and save us,” she appealed.
Speaking on the aim of the Convention, Mrs Ezedebego said the programme was to bring together relevant stakeholders in Anambra State to brainstorm on how to achieve educational standards.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, blamed the Monday sit-at-home order by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the activities of gunmen as major challenges to education sector in the South East, particularly, Anambra State.
Represented by Prof. Vivian Nwogbo, Prof. Ikediugwu, who spoke on the topic: “Applying Best Practices In Achieving Educational Goals In Anambra- State”, noted that the activities of IPOB and the gunmen do not only have negative implications for achieving the educational goals in the state but also contribute to the danger of creating a lost generation of children.
In attendance at the event were the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, NAPPS National President, Chief Yomi Otibola, Chairman of NAPPS Board of Trustees, Dr Mijinyawa I. Said and Chief Chuks Ezedebego, among others.