Private School Owners Seek Tax Relief, Improved Welfare for Teachers
Private School Owners Seek Tax Relief, Improved Welfare for Teachers
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ogbomoso North Chapter, Oyo State, has urged governments at all levels to introduce policies that would ease the financial and operational burdens faced by private schools across Nigeria.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by the association’s chairman, Wale Ojewumi, as part of activities marking the 2025 World Teachers’ Day.
Ojewumi described teachers as “the true architects of the nation’s future,” stressing that their dedication and sacrifice play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s human capital development. He lamented, however, that despite their immense contributions, teachers particularly in private institutions continue to face poor welfare conditions and inadequate recognition.
“The teaching profession remains one of the most demanding and underappreciated. It is time for government and stakeholders to prioritize teacher welfare through better incentives, training, and recognition,” Ojewumi said.
He further called for tax reliefs and access to low-interest loans for private school owners, noting that many institutions struggle to stay afloat due to rising operational costs, multiple taxation, and limited access to government support schemes.
According to him, many private schools, especially those in rural and semi-urban areas, provide essential educational services to communities where public education facilities are inadequate, yet receive little or no assistance from the government.
“Private schools are partners in progress with the government in delivering quality education. We are not competitors but contributors to national development. Therefore, policies that promote sustainability in the education sector should include private schools,” the statement read in part.
Ojewumi also appealed to the Oyo State Government to strengthen its collaboration with private school operators, particularly in areas of capacity building, curriculum development, and teacher training, to enhance the overall quality of education in the state.
He congratulated teachers nationwide on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, urging them to remain steadfast and passionate despite prevailing economic and professional challenges.
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on October 5 to honor educators and highlight their crucial role in building inclusive and quality education systems around the world.
