Anambra Govt Slammed Over NECO Levy

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Alex Obiogbolu, has called on the Anambra State Government to reverse the N350 Levy it imposed on students enrolling for the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The Tide learnt that the order for the levy was given by the state post primary school service commission (PPSSC) in a memo of June 2, 2009, titled: “Re-approval to collect a levy of N350 per student for NECO accreditation.”

The memo, signed by Mr Nzemeka .E. Olisa, secretary of the body and addressed to zonal directors of Education and Principals of schools in the state, was said to have been approved by Gov. Peter Obi.

It reads: “His Excellency has approved the immediate collection of the sum of N350 per student in the public senior secondary schools for the National Examination Council’s (NECO) accreditation.”

“The collection should be done only once and the proceeds paid into the state Education Commission’s Account, Union Bank Plc Abagana. Account No.126102000467, all payments should be made before the commencement of third term” it stated.

Obiogbolu last week, condemned the levy, saying it was illegal.

He enjoined the state to join others that were offering free education at all levels in Nigeria.

Governor Obi