Anambra to Introduce Unified Payment System for Private Schools, Ban Multiple Levies

The Anambra State Government has announced plans to introduce a unified payment system for private schools to eliminate multiple taxation, promote transparency and protect school proprietors from unauthorised financial demands.

The Commissioner for Education, Ekene Ogugua, disclosed this during a meeting with heads of private school associations held over the weekend in Awka, the state capital.

Ogugua said the meeting was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the government and private school operators towards building a progressive and inclusive education system in the state.

He urged private schools to align with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s education vision, explaining that the proposed payment system would provide clear information on approved levies and recognised revenue collection agencies.

According to the commissioner, the initiative is intended to prevent arbitrary charges and unauthorised collections. He encouraged school proprietors to report any financial demands that fall outside officially approved payments.

Ogugua also reiterated the state government’s ban on graduation ceremonies in schools, warning that institutions found violating the directive would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

He explained that the policy was introduced to reduce the financial burden on parents and prevent children from feeling inferior or disadvantaged because of their families’ economic circumstances.

The commissioner further warned that, beginning next year, schools, administrators, teachers and invigilators found facilitating examination malpractice would face legal consequences, including the possible closure of affected institutions.

Expressing concern over the growing perception of Anambra as a centre for examination malpractice, he urged private school associations to ensure strict compliance with government regulations.

He also asked the associations to submit lists of unregistered schools operating under their respective groups to help the government address the problem.

The Director of Schools, Oyibor Alor, cautioned against individuals impersonating government agents to extort money from unregistered schools.

She advised school proprietors to seek clarification and guidance directly from the Ministry of Education whenever they encounter questionable demands or regulatory issues.

Meanwhile, Ochuko Uzochukwu, Head of AFAD, appealed to the government to address the multiple taxation challenges affecting private schools.

A representative of the association assured the government of its cooperation in advancing the administration’s vision of equitable, progressive and accessible education across Anambra State.