The Lagos State government's efforts to improve education quality have raised concerns among stakeholders, who warn that increased funding alone may not close the widening learning gap. The government's insistence on a N20,100 tax clearance, National Identification Number (NIN), Lagos State Social Register (LASSRA) certificate, and other requirements for school registration has sparked worries. Many low-income families are struggling to meet these demands, which could further limit access to education.
A visit to some public secondary schools in Lagos revealed that new intakes into junior secondary and senior secondary one (JSS and SSS 1) are mandated to provide a tax clearance of N20,100, up from N10,100 in 2025. Additionally, students must provide a birth certificate, NIN, and LASSRA, as well as school uniforms, badges, berets, sportswear, and ties. A teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that students changing from private to public schools are required to pay an extra N40,000, while public-school students pay N25,000, and JSS1 students pay N10,000.
The new requirements have sparked concerns among parents and education stakeholders, who worry that the development could deepen existing inequalities and push more vulnerable children further away from the classroom. Despite education being a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, many low-income families in Lagos are finding it increasingly difficult to get their children into school. The United Nations Children's Fund estimates that 18.3 million Nigerian children are out of school, comprising 10.2 million at the primary level and 8.1 million at the junior secondary level.
Parents and stakeholders have expressed concerns over the impact of the new requirements on low-income families. Friday Erhabor, a parent, stated that the policy is an overreach, aimed at revenue generation rather than improving education. He urged the government to find alternative ways to bring taxable adults under the tax net without disrupting children's education. Grace Inyang, another parent, emphasized that the policy seems laudable in intent but creates barriers for many parents, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
Education stakeholders have also raised concerns over the policy's potential to increase the number of out-of-school children. Jessica Osuere, CEO of RubiesHub Educational Services, stated that not everyone has easy access to the required documents, especially people living in poorer areas. She emphasized that education is a right, not a privilege, and that the government can still get the data they need without locking children out.
A teacher explained that the N20,100 tax clearance is a tax penalty for tax evasion, paid into the state purse, rather than a charge collected by schools. The teacher stated that schools only collect money for uniforms, sportswear, ties, caps, and badges, depending on their uniform requirements. Despite the government's efforts to improve education, concerns persist over whether the benefits will reach the state's most vulnerable learners.
The Lagos State government's policy has sparked a heated debate, with stakeholders calling for a review of the requirements. While the government aims to improve educational standards and streamline admissions, concerns over the policy's impact on low-income families and the learning gap continue to grow. The government must balance its revenue generation drive with the need to ensure that education remains accessible to all, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
Key points
- The Lagos State government's new education requirements have sparked concerns over a widening learning gap, particularly for low-income families.
- The requirements, including a N20,100 tax clearance and LASSRA certificate, have raised worries that many children may be left out of school.
- Stakeholders are calling for a review of the policy, emphasizing that education is a right, not a privilege, and that the government must ensure accessibility for all.
