The Niger state government said it has shut down over 2000 private schools for not meeting up to basic standards required.
The state government disclosed that the schools were closed down for operating below standard in terms of infrastructure, offices, toilets, water and human resources.
The Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, disclosed this when he received the state Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Minna on Monday.
The members of the association were in the state Government House to mark the 2019 NAPPS Day celebration.
According to Aliyu, “We have a monitoring team from the private school management board that monitors schools both in the state and local government areas to ensure that they operate within the approved standard.
“This is part of government efforts in ensuring we provide qualitative education in the state,” he said.
Aliyu gave assurance that government would address the issue of multiple taxation bothering operators of private schools.
“I will relate your complains to the governor so that we can come up with policy that will harmonise payment of taxes by private schools.”
Earlier, Dr Sally Bolujoko, National President of NAPPS, said that the celebration would provide an opportunity for the association to examine relevant issues in the education sector and proffer solutions.
Bolujoko, who was represented by Mr Femi Alalade, the state Chairman of the Association, called on the state government to address issue of multiple taxations on private schools by the state Board of Internal Revenue.
He disclosed that each private school had been paying 25 different taxes to the board and called on government to harmonise tax payment.
