In a significant move to address the concerns of private school owners in Edo State, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, alongside officials from the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), met with members of the Coalition of Associations of Private School Owners (CAPS) on Tuesday.
The meeting followed an earlier engagement held over the weekend, during which Dr. Iyamu assured the association that their concerns over increased taxation would be addressed. Staying true to that commitment, the EIRS who was represented by the Executive Director of Income Taxes, Hon. Akhimen Patrick Idiake, announced that private schools will now be allowed to pay a 10% tax rate, down from the previously proposed rate that had sparked widespread concern.
As a result of this concession, private schools will now be permitted to proceed with the registration of students for the upcoming Common Entrance and Basic Education Certificate Examination.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education Dr Paddy Iyamu and the Ministry of EIRS, described the decision as part of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s inclusive and responsive leadership style. reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for educational institutions to thrive while maintaining a firm stance against illegal cash collections.
The leadership of CAPS expressed joy over the resolution, thanking Governor Okpebholo, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, and the EIRS for listening to their concerns and acting swiftly. They described the resolution as a relief to many struggling private schools, they however pledged their readiness to support the state government by ensuring timely and lawful payment of taxes going forward.