The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has raised strong concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed tax reform policy, warning that it could increase public distrust if issues of fairness, justice, and inclusion are not properly addressed.
The society made its position known on Saturday during the formal opening ceremony of the 115th Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) of MSSN, B-Zone. The event was held at the proposed permanent site of Al-Ummah University, located along the Ibadan–Lagos Expressway at Onigari, Ogun State.
The Islamic Vacation Course is one of the largest annual gatherings of Muslim students in southern Nigeria. It brings together students, professionals, scholars, and community leaders to discuss religious, social, and national issues. This year’s programme focused strongly on leadership, responsibility, and governance at a time when the country is facing serious economic and security challenges.
Speaking at the event, the National President of MSSN, Mallam Tajudeen Mustapha, said taxation itself is not the main problem facing Nigerians. According to him, the real issue is the growing lack of trust in how government manages public resources.
“Taxation is not the problem,” Mustapha said. “The problem is that people do not trust how public funds are being used. When there is no trust, any new policy will be viewed with suspicion.”
He explained that Nigeria is currently dealing with many challenges, including economic hardship, rising insecurity, leadership problems, and moral decline. He said policies that are seen as unfair or insensitive only worsen the situation and make citizens lose faith in government.
Mustapha warned that tax reforms or agreements that raise questions about fairness, justice, and sovereignty could push citizens further away from the government. He said when people feel excluded or cheated, they become sceptical and disengaged from national processes.
“Any reform that does not carry the people along will fail,” he said. “When citizens believe that policies are unfair, they stop believing in the system.”
The MSSN president stressed that responsibility in governance is not optional. He said leaders must be accountable, transparent, and open if they want to regain the trust of the people. According to him, justice and fairness must guide all government policies, especially those that affect the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He added that trust can only be rebuilt when people see clear evidence that leaders are acting in the best interest of the country, not for personal or political gain.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Amir of MSSN, B-Zone, Mallam Moshood Kolawole, described the Islamic Vacation Course as the flagship programme of the society. He said the IVC has, over the years, served as a platform for deep reflection on personal growth and collective responsibility in society.
Kolawole explained that participants at the programme were drawn from different states across southern Nigeria. He said the diversity of the participants shows the wide reach and importance of the MSSN and its programmes.
According to him, the gathering was organised to address major issues affecting the country, including moral decline, economic pressure, insecurity, and the gradual loss of values. He said these problems require honest discussion and sincere collective action from citizens and leaders alike.
“We cannot continue to complain without acting,” Kolawole said. “Everyone has a role to play in fixing society.”
One of the key lectures at the event was titled “We Are All Responsible.” It was delivered by the Imam of the Muslim Community of Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, and the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed.
In his lecture, Abdul-Hameed blamed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, corruption, and moral decline on the failure of collective responsibility by both leaders and citizens. He said society suffers when people refuse to take responsibility for their actions and inactions.
“When individuals and leaders fail to act responsibly, injustice, corruption, and insecurity will continue,” he said. “Silence in the face of wrongdoing is also a form of wrongdoing.”
He explained that accountability in Islam goes beyond actions alone. According to him, people are also accountable for their words and what they fail to do when they should act.
Abdul-Hameed stressed that everyone in society has a duty to act responsibly, including professionals, parents, leaders, and young people. He said blaming government alone is not enough, as citizens also have roles to play in building a just and safe society.
He urged participants to reflect on their personal conduct and contributions to society, adding that real change begins with individuals before spreading to the wider community.
On participation and organisation, the Chief Registrar of the programme, Abdulrazak Yusuf, disclosed that a total of 10,158 delegates registered for the event across the Edo, Delta, and Rivers axis. He said the large turnout showed the growing interest in the IVC and the trust members have in the programme.
Yusuf attributed the high number of participants to improvements made to the online registration system, which was first introduced in the previous edition of the programme. He said the system made registration easier and faster for many delegates.
However, he also noted some challenges. According to him, some members were not properly informed about the online registration process and still attempted to register physically. He advised area units and local branches to improve awareness and education ahead of future programmes.
The Islamic Vacation Course, now in its 115th edition, runs annually from December 23, 2025, to January 1, 2026. Over the years, it has become a major platform for spiritual renewal, leadership training, and civic engagement among Muslim students in southern Nigeria.
The concerns raised by MSSN over the proposed tax reforms come at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with high living costs, rising fuel prices, and unemployment. Experts say public trust is critical for the success of any economic reform, especially one that affects taxation.