Private Schools in Abuja Face Impending Fee Hike as FCT Minister Reviews Operational Charges
Private Schools in Abuja Face Impending Fee Hike as FCT Minister Reviews Operational Charges
Private schools in Abuja are bracing for an unprecedented increase in fees as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, moves to revise operational charges for educational institutions in the capital city.
According to a memo obtained by our correspondent on Monday from the Head of Account, Department of Quality Assurance of the Education Secretariat, Mudi Muhammed, the new tax regime will take effect from January 2024. The memo, titled “Review of private school operation charges in FCT,” stated that schools will now be billed based on tuition fees and enrollment figures.
“In light of the approval by the Honourable Minister of the FCT for a review of operational charges payable by private schools in the FCT, it is hereby informed that the old rate of charges will cease to be valid as of 31/12/2023, with the new rate of charges becoming effective from 1/1/2024,” the memo read.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Private School Owners in the FCT has expressed concerns over the tax review, stating that it could exacerbate the financial burden on parents and strain school resources.
In a letter addressed to the Education Secretariat, the association’s Chairperson, Ruqayah Agboola, highlighted the challenges faced by private schools, including economic hardships, outstanding bank loans, unpaid fees, and numerous levies imposed by local governments and other agencies.
“Our members have unanimously rejected the proposal in its entirety, citing the prevailing economic conditions and the financial constraints they already face,” the letter stated. “We urge the Education Secretariat to consider a 50 per cent reduction in the existing annual dues to alleviate the financial burden on schools and facilitate the recovery of outstanding dues.”
A member of the association, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed plans to address their concerns with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and to notify the Parents-Teachers Association of the impending fee hike.
