The Enugu chapter of Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), has expressed worries over multiple taxation and levies by the state government and its agencies.
The state chairman of the association, Mr Emeka Grahams, who said this while speaking with newsmen described the situation as worrisome.
According to him, from time to time, tofficials and representatives of government agencies will come to demand certain amount from the school owners.
Grahams, who is also the Proprietor of Ivy League School, Enugu said Nigerians have erroneous belief that private schools owners make millions, without looking at the expenses they incur in running the schools.
“When it comes to collection of levies, they ask other business owners to pay N2000 but for private schools, they will ask us to pay N2 million.
“Everyone in the country believes that private school owners are in money which is contrary to the reality on ground.
“Even touts can get up anytime to request money from us and if any member is not courageous, they will scam him or her. It is a very big challenge and worrisome to us,” he said.
He charged members of the association to be on alert and enquire from individuals asking them for money their identity.
“Many school owners have suffered from the hands of these people, “ he said.
The chairman also emphasised the need for the state government to support private schools to enable them attain the approved standard in the state.
Grahams stated that many schools were struggling to come up while others were hiding from the ministry officials in charge of enforcement.
“The government can give them loan to upgrade to the required standard rather than trying to close them.
“Many of them do not pay tax because they are not recognised but they enjoy the services of the government, but if they get approval, there will be more revenue for government,” he said.