Private schools in Anambra State on Monday embarked on a three-day warning strike over what they called multiple levies and taxation by the state government.
The strike paralysed academic activities in all private schools in the state.
The proprietors said the warning strike was to attract the attention of the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, on the “extortionist agenda of the agents of the state government against private school owners in the state.”
The National President, Owners of Private Schools Association of Nigeria, and leader of the state Coalition of Private School Proprietors, Uzochukwu Nwanonyuo, said the strike became necessary because the state government had refused to address the issue over time.
He said, “It’s unfortunate that private schools which render social services to children have been unfortunately classified as “business enterprises.”
“Government now demands huge sums of money from us without the schools getting anything in return.”
He said on one occasion, thugs suspected to be agents of the state government invaded a private school in the area and shot the proprietor in a bid “to enforce their multiple revenue generation.”
He enjoined the governor to intervene to save the situation.
The Commissioner for Basic Education in the state, Prof. Kate Omenugha, said government had met with leadership of proprietors of private schools in the state with a view to resolving the matter.
“Our discussions were constructive. We will meet again on Thursday, 19th March, 2020. In the meantime, school activities will continue as scheduled,” Omenugha said.
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