Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has withdrawn a controversial directive mandating the presentation of parents’ Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) as a condition for students’ registration into tertiary institutions across the state.
The decision, announced on Wednesday by the Chairman of Kogi State Revenue Services (KGSIR), Alhaji Sule Enehe, came after sustained public criticism and concerns over its impact on students’ right to education.
“We have decided to stop the use of parents’ tax clearance certificate as a prerequisite for students’ registration into tertiary institutions in Kogi State,” Enehe stated during a press briefing in Lokoja. “This decision follows significant feedback from the public who expressed their concerns about the policy.”
The policy, which was introduced on January 8, had been in force for the past two years at institutions such as Prince Abubakar Audu University in Ayingba, among others. It was aimed at boosting the state’s revenue, according to government officials, to fund essential infrastructure and social services for citizens.
However, the policy quickly became a subject of heated debate. Civil society organizations and some members of the public argued that the requirement violated students’ fundamental right to education. Critics claimed that it placed an undue burden on parents, many of whom were struggling with financial challenges, and jeopardized the prospects of students who could not afford the tax clearance fees.
Public Outcry Triggers Governor’s Intervention
Governor Ododo’s decision to roll back the tax clearance requirement was a direct response to the public outcry. Enehe clarified that the government was listening to the concerns raised by various stakeholders and had acted to alleviate the growing unease among the populace.
“The government has heard the voices of the people,” Enehe affirmed. “No student will be denied admission into any tertiary institution on the grounds of not presenting a tax clearance certificate from their parents or guardians.”
The initial justification for the TCC requirement had been that it would help the state raise revenue needed for governance and development. Alhaji Enehe had previously explained that the policy was designed to enhance the state’s financial capabilities, which would, in turn, improve infrastructure and services such as roads, healthcare, and education.
“Without robust revenue streams, there is little we can do to meet the growing needs of our citizens,” Enehe had argued before the policy’s suspension.
However, the policy’s suspension signals a shift in the state’s priorities, acknowledging the importance of accessible education for all citizens, regardless of their financial standing. Enehe added that while parents are still required to pay taxes and obtain a TCC as stipulated by the Nigerian constitution, it will no longer be tied to students’ academic registration.
Legal Implications and Further Clarifications
Enehe was quick to emphasize that while the government had reversed the controversial registration condition, parents and guardians were still obligated to fulfill their tax responsibilities as mandated by law. He reiterated that failure to pay taxes could result in loss of certain privileges for students, such as bursary allowances or government-sponsored scholarships.
“It is mandatory for every parent to pay their personal income tax,” Enehe noted. “However, the tax clearance certificate will not hinder your child’s ability to register for school anymore.”
The policy shift aligns with a broader understanding that while tax compliance is a civic duty, it should not become a barrier to educational opportunities for young Nigerians.
Tackling Illegal Tax Collection in Kogi
In addition to the policy change, Alhaji Sule Enehe addressed concerns about illegal tax collection practices in Kogi State. He revealed that the KGSIR had been cracking down on unauthorized individuals who had been extorting money from residents and businesses under the guise of tax collection.
“We have arrested several people engaged in illegal tax collection activities,” Enehe disclosed. “In fact, 43 individuals have been prosecuted for their involvement in these fraudulent activities.”
This enforcement against tax fraud has been a key focus of KGSIR, as the agency aims to safeguard the state’s finances from exploitation. Enehe assured the public that the government would continue to pursue offenders with a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal tax activities.
The illegal tax collectors had been known to block highways and intimidate individuals, demanding payments that were neither recorded nor authorized by the state. This practice has been a source of concern for both residents and the state government, as it undermines the official revenue collection system.
