Lagos State Government has explained why it introduced N8,100 tax levy in public primary and secondary schools across the state, saying it is the duty of parents to pay tax.
The government’s explanation became necessary following Parents and guardians outraged over the introduction of tax in Lagos public schools, criticising government’s decision.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, in a statement, said the misconception of parents and guardians on the payment N8,100 tax Levy as school fees for pupils and students in the on-going resumption of a new academic calendar year 2023/2024 has generated the usual criticism of Lagos State Education Governance.
Alli-Balogun said the realisation that taxation is one of the core internally generated revenue for government in order to meet its commitment with public demands, is key to developmental strives, in the provisions of basic necessities to the citizens.
According to him, Government free education policy is still in operation from kindergarten to SS3, saying the tax payment is the duty of parents to pay, sa the LIRS staff are attached to schools for easier payment of tax by parents.
In his words, Parents that have paid their tax need not to pay another but provide their tax certificate for authentication and verification, saying this can be done instantly by staff of LIRS for necessary documentation as to avoid double taxation.
Alli-Balogun said receipt for tax payments are to be issued instantly to avoid collection of tax payments bundle from parents with the use of one surname for many pupils or students.
He said 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 enrollment into schools.