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The Lagos State government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration, has introduced a compulsory ₦10,500 tax clearance fee for Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) students in state-owned schools before they can register for the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

WAEC Registration: Free or Not?

Historically, WAEC registration for students in Lagos State public schools has been free. However, according to a directive reported by SaharaReporters, the state government now claims it has covered the WAEC registration cost, requiring students instead to pay for tax clearance.

Exemption Based on Tax Clearance Certificate

Reports from Eletu Odibo Senior High School in Yaba, among others, confirmed the new tax clearance requirement. Students stated that:

Those who present a tax clearance certificate from their father, mother, or even an uncle as long as it bears the same surname as the student are exempt from the ₦10,500 fee.

Students without a tax clearance certificate must pay the ₦10,500 tax clearance fee to complete their WAEC registration process.

One of the affected students explained:

"If a student presents a tax clearance certificate with their surname, they won't have to pay. But if they don't have one, they must pay the ₦10,500."

Government Response

When SaharaReporters contacted Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, he stated that he was not aware of the policy.

Public Reactions and Concerns

The move has sparked debate, with concerns over fairness and accessibility for students from low-income backgrounds. Critics argue that tax clearance should be a parental responsibility, not a burden placed on students seeking to complete their secondary education.

For now, students and parents in Lagos public schools are left navigating this new requirement, awaiting further clarifications from the state government.

External Link: Saharareporters.com