Education: School Proprietors Complain About High Government Tariffs
By Olusegun Hosea
10th June, 2026
The proprietors of private nursery and primary schools in Akure, Ondo State, have complained bitterly about the high tariff rates being imposed on them by the state government, alongside several other charges. According to them, most of the affected schools are government-approved institutions located within the urban areas of the city.
The complaint was made during Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings organized by some private schools in Akure to provide feedback on the academic activities of their schools and the conduct of learners to parents.
It was gathered that the Ministry of Education had earlier informed them that any school whose annual profit was less than one million naira would be exempt from paying taxes. However, to their surprise, the situation has been different, as the ministry continues to demand various taxes from them. Some school proprietors disclosed that they pay as much as three hundred thousand naira (₦300,000) in taxes despite having relatively small student populations.
Apart from tax payments, the school owners also complained about land charges imposed by the government, amounting to forty thousand naira (₦40,000). In addition, they are now required to pay for the online registration of learners, a fee that was not previously charged.
According to the proprietors, whenever registration fees are collected from learners, the schools usually remit the money to the bank after obtaining clearance from the Ministry of Education and the local government authorities. They also stated that various tax collectors regularly visit their schools to demand payments, leaving them with no option but to comply.
The proprietors further complained that fumigation fees are also being charged and collected by the government. They alleged that failure to comply often results in the sealing of school premises and public embarrassment. They described the situation as a hardship imposed on them by the government, noting that many school owners are forced to borrow money to supplement their income in order to pay staff salaries, as parents often delay or default on school fee payments.
They explained that when schools increase their fees, it is often done to improve the quality of education by employing qualified teachers and enhancing teaching standards.
The proprietors therefore appealed to the government to consider their plight and make conditions more favorable for private schools. They noted that many parents already complain about high school fees, which they attributed to the numerous charges and levies imposed on schools by the government. Despite these challenges, school owners are still expected to cater for the welfare of their staff.
In another development, the proprietors also used the forum to appeal to the government to intensify efforts in providing security for private schools, noting that they contribute significantly to the educational development of the state, both directly and indirectly. They urged the government not to focus solely on public schools.
They also commended the government’s efforts in maintaining peace and tranquility within society but appealed for sustained commitment. According to them, security agencies should be further strengthened and adequately supported to enable them to perform their duties effectively as insecurity is ravaging the environment now .
