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Lagos Government Confirms N10,000 Tax Clearance Mandate for WAEC Registration in State Schools

The Lagos State Government has confirmed that Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students in state-owned schools must provide a ₦10,000 Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) before registering for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

This was officially stated by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) in a press release signed by Monsurat Amasa-Oyelude, Head of Corporate Communications, following a report by SaharaReporters that uncovered the mandatory tax requirement for students.

Amasa-Oyelude reiterated that the Lagos State Government continues to fund WAEC registration for all SS3 students in public schools as part of its free education policy, which covers students from kindergarten to SS3. However, she emphasized that obtaining a Tax Clearance Certificate is part of the state’s standard financial regulations.

“This initiative, part of the THEMES PLUS agenda, is included in the government’s broader efforts to provide essential services such as affordable housing, efficient transportation, free healthcare, youth and small business empowerment programs, enhanced security, and better road infrastructure, among others,” she stated.

Reacting to concerns over the policy, LIRS Executive Chairman, Ayo Subair, clarified that the TCC requirement is not a new policy but a long-standing tax compliance measure in line with Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2004 (as amended).

“It is standard procedure to require a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) to access government services. To obtain a TCC, individuals must file their annual tax returns for the applicable assessment year and ensure their tax payments are current based on their declared income,” Subair explained.

Findings from SaharaReporters at various state secondary schools, including Eletu Odibo Senior High in Abule-Oja, Yaba, revealed that students without a valid tax clearance must pay ₦10,500 before being registered for WAEC.

However, students whose parents already have a TCC—bearing the same surname as the student—are exempted from the payment. In cases where students live with guardians, the guardian’s TCC will also be accepted.

Subair defended the policy, emphasizing that tax compliance is essential for funding public programs.

“Tax revenues help fund various public programs that benefit millions of Lagos residents. For informal sector taxpayers, who might not have detailed financial records, the government has introduced a presumptive tax of ₦10,100, comprising ₦10,000 in annual tax and a ₦100 development levy, to facilitate their inclusion in the tax net,” he stated.

To ease the process, LIRS has deployed staff and agents to markets and schools to establish one-stop centers where individuals can obtain their TCC without visiting tax offices. Flexible payment options, including installment plans, are also available, though full payment must be completed before the TCC is issued.

The state government insists that the tax clearance mandate is not designed to impose hardship on families but rather to ensure accountability and sustainability in public service delivery.

“The aim is fairness, accountability, and sustainability. This policy is not about inflicting hardship, but rather ensuring that everyone, including those in the formal sector, contributes their fair share to sustain the provision of essential services,” Subair said.

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