Educationist urges government to reduce taxes on private schools

The Executive Director of M.D. School, Mrs Omolara Adedugbe, has called on the Lagos State Government and local government authorities to reduce the multiple taxes and levies imposed on private schools to enable them to sustain quality education.

Adedugbe made the appeal during a press conference organised as part of activities marking the school’s 40th anniversary in Lagos.

She noted that private schools contribute significantly to education in the state and the country by providing learning opportunities for children who cannot be accommodated in public schools, thereby complementing government efforts in the education sector.

She urged the government to recognise private schools as partners in educational development rather than treating them solely as profit-making businesses.

According to her, school operators have to meet several financial obligations to keep their schools running, including staff salaries, rent, loan repayments, and various levies and taxes imposed by both state and local governments.

Adedugbe lamented that these multiple financial pressures make it difficult for many private schools to operate effectively and to invest more in teaching and learning facilities.

She said reducing these financial pressures would help schools focus more on teaching, learning and the overall development of pupils, rather than struggling to meet tax obligations.

Adedugbe also emphasised the need to pay teachers adequately to encourage commitment, retain experienced hands and maintain educational standards, noting that quality teachers are central to quality education.

Speaking on behalf of the Governing Council Chair, Prof. Oyenike Adeosun, highlighted the school’s four decades of commitment to educational excellence, discipline and character development.

Adeosun emphasised that education should extend beyond academic performance to include integrity, confidence, moral values and the development of responsible individuals who will contribute positively to society.

She also stressed the importance of embracing modern technology and improved teaching methods to meet the changing needs of education and prepare pupils for a rapidly evolving world.

Adedugbe explained that the school’s growth over the last 40 years had been driven by a passion for education and a commitment to developing the whole child, rather than the pursuit of profit alone.

She noted that the school started small but has grown steadily through dedication, hard work and support from parents and the community.

The Director of the school, Mrs Oluwaseun Amusa, said the academic progress and personal development of pupils remained important sources of motivation for the school’s management and teachers, adding that seeing children excel is the greatest reward for their work.

A member of the governing council, Chris Dike, explained that the school had considered expanding enrolment in response to parental demand but decided to prioritise maintaining educational standards over numerical growth.

He said the school would rather maintain manageable class sizes and quality delivery than admit more pupils than it can effectively handle.

The school maintained that sustaining quality education requires a combination of dedicated educators, responsible school management and a supportive policy environment.