Private schools in Nigeria need government support and relief from multiple taxes and levies to sustain the delivery of quality education, the Executive Director of MD School, Oko-Oba, Lagos, Mrs Omolara Adedugbe, has said.
Adedugbe made the call during a press briefing to announce activities marking the school’s 40th anniversary, where she stressed the importance of foundational learning in determining children’s academic development and the overall standard of education in the country.
She argued that early childhood education provides the basis for future learning and should receive greater attention from governments at all levels.
According to her, private schools have historically played a significant role in providing foundational education and deserve policies that support their operations.
“There are too many taxes, and this is making it difficult for private schools to operate,” she said.
Adedugbe urged governments to review the multiple taxes and levies imposed on private school operators by local, state and federal authorities, warning that the burden could undermine their ability to provide quality education.
She also called for greater recognition of the distinctive nature of education, arguing that school operations should not be treated solely as profit-driven businesses.
The executive director said government support for private schools was essential to improving educational standards and ensuring children received a strong foundation for future learning.
MD School, which describes itself as Lagos State’s first private co-educational inclusive school, is marking four decades of providing education.
Speaking on the anniversary, a member of the school’s governing council and chairman of its media committee, Steve Akadiri, said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s history and appreciate those who contributed to its development.
He said the celebration would recognise the sacrifices of the school’s founders and the commitment of staff, parents, former pupils and other stakeholders over the past 40 years.
The chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Barrister Chris Dike, said activities began in September with a special thanksgiving involving pupils and parents, including participation online.
He added that the school had organised medical and food outreach programmes for surrounding communities as part of the anniversary activities.
According to Dike, the celebrations will culminate in an awards programme involving former pupils, parents and other stakeholders at the end of October.
The anniversary comes amid renewed calls for greater investment in foundational education, which education advocates consider essential to improving learning outcomes and strengthening Nigeria’s education system.
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