LASG to parents,  free education policy intact, N8,100 tax payment not school fees

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun has disclosed that parents and guardians, who already pay tax in the state need to show evidence of payment to facilitate enrolment of their children in school, as the payment of N8,100 levy only affect those not captured in the tax net.

Alli- Balogun in a statement issued on Sunday noted that the misconception that the levy is school fees for pupils and students in the on-going resumption of a new academic calendar year 2023/2024 is unfounded, as the free school policy of the state still remain intact.

“The misconception of parents and guardians on the payment of #8,100 Levy as school fees for pupils and students in the on-going resumption of a new academic calendar year has generated the usual criticism of Lagos State Education Governance.

“The realization that taxation is one of the core internally generated revenue for the Government in order to meet its commitment with public demands, is key to developmental strives, in the provisions of basic necessities to the citizens.

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“Lagos State Government free education policy is still in operation from kindergarten to SS3. The tax payment is the duty of parents to pay. The LIRS staff are attached to schools for easier payment of tax by parents.

“Parents that have paid their tax need not to pay another but provide their tax certificate for authentication and verification. This can be done instantly by staff of LIRS for necessary documentation as to avoid double taxation.”

He added that receipt for tax payments will also be issued to forestall mix up in the process.

“Receipt for tax payments is to be issued instantly to avoid collection of tax payments bundle from parents with the use of one surname for many pupils or students. This is unacceptable unless the pupils and students are from the same parents.

“The tax payments is an on-going exercise and not a hindrance to deny pupils and students from registration enrolment into schools.” Alli-Balogun reiterates.