MD School, Oko Oba, Lagos, has urged governments at all levels to ease the tax burden on private schools, warning that multiple levies are making it increasingly difficult for operators to provide quality education.
The school’s Executive Director, Mrs Omolara Adedugbe, made the appeal during a press briefing to announce activities marking the institution’s 40th anniversary.
Adedugbe, an advocate of quality early childhood education, stressed that foundational learning determines the quality of a child’s subsequent education and plays a critical role in the development of the nation’s education sector.
She urged the government to prioritise early childhood education and support private school operators, whom she said had historically played a significant role in providing foundational learning.
“There are too many taxes, and this is making it difficult for private schools to operate,” she said.
According to her, governments at the local, state and federal levels should reconsider the multiple taxes and levies imposed on private schools, noting that education is not an ordinary commercial enterprise driven solely by profit.
She argued that private schools require government encouragement to sustain the provision of quality education and contribute to improving national educational standards.
MD School, which describes itself as Lagos State’s first private co-educational inclusive school, is marking four decades of educational service with activities involving pupils, parents, alumni and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, Mr Steve Akadiri, a member of the school’s governing council and chairman of its media committee, said the celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s journey and appreciate those who contributed to its development.
He said the anniversary provided an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices of the founders and the dedication of individuals who had supported the school over the past 40 years.
“It allows us to look back with gratitude at our humble beginnings, appreciate the sacrifices of our founders and acknowledge the dedication and commitment of those who have contributed to the growth of the institution,” Akadiri said.
The chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Barrister Chris Dike, disclosed that activities began in September with a special thanksgiving programme involving pupils, with parents participating online.
He said the school had also organised medical and food outreach programmes for communities in its immediate environment.
According to Dike, the celebrations will culminate in an awards programme at the end of October, bringing together former pupils, parents and other stakeholders.
The anniversary comes amid renewed attention to the importance of foundational learning and the need to strengthen the institutions responsible for preparing children for subsequent stages of education.
