The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports that parents are required to pay a ₦20,000 education levy before enrolling their children in public schools, maintaining that education in the state remains free.
The clarification was made on Monday by the Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District II, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Omotayo Sanni, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Zumratul Islamiyyah Smart Primary School in Igbogbo, Ikorodu.
His remarks came after concerns were raised by former Minister of Works, Adeseye Ogunlewe, who urged the state government not to introduce what he described as an education tax.
Speaking at the event, Ogunlewe said parents wanted free education to remain in place and argued that many families would struggle to afford a ₦20,000 levy.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Chief Asipa Olusanya, also cautioned against imposing any education-related charge, warning that even a ₦20,000 payment could prevent children from attending school.
According to him, many households are already battling financial hardship, and introducing such a levy could worsen the problem of out-of-school children.
Responding to the concerns, Sanni stated that no education tax exists in Lagos State, explaining that the government only requires parents to present valid tax clearance certificates during school registration as part of existing administrative procedures.
He noted that paying tax is a civic responsibility and one of the ways government generates revenue to provide public services, including education.
Sanni stressed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring free and inclusive education across the state, adding that parents who present the required tax clearance certificate are not expected to make any payment before registering their children in public schools.
He also praised the Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area for commencing the smart school project, describing it as a significant investment in preparing children with the skills needed for the modern world.
Also speaking, the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Babajimi Benson, pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education in the area.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Abdulsemiu Kasali, commended the council chairman for initiating the project and also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support for development efforts in the community.
Earlier, Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hammed Aroyewun, said the proposed school is designed to expose pupils to technology-driven learning from an early age.
He explained that the two-year project will deliver a 30-classroom smart primary school equipped to combine technology, creativity and sustainability, preparing pupils for future opportunities.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held as part of activities marking Aroyewun’s first anniversary in office.
