Kwara Govt. Inspires Tax-Savvy Youths as Students Excel in 2025 KW-IRS Quiz Finale

 

Kwara State is grooming a new generation of financially literate and tax-conscious youths, as students from across the state showcased their brilliance at the 2025 Annual Tax Club Quiz Competition organised by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) at the Ilorin Innovation Hub.

The Executive Chairman of KW-IRS, Mrs. Shade Omoniyi, attributed the success of the programme to the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose reforms, she said, continue to strengthen education and fiscal discipline in the state.

“Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership and prudent management of resources have placed Kwara among the top-performing states in Nigeria,” Omoniyi said. “According to BudgIT’s 2025 State of States Report, Kwara moved from 10th position in 2021 to 3rd in 2024 in subnational fiscal performance. Between 2023 and 2024, our Internally Generated Revenue grew by 36 percent — a reflection of sound governance.”

She explained that the government’s decision to harmonize taxes and reduce dependence on federal allocations underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Omoniyi commended the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Ministry of Youth Development, and other partners for supporting the drive to instill tax education and civic responsibility among students.

“This administration is committed to building a fair and efficient tax system that promotes growth and public trust,” she added.

Congratulating the six finalist schools out of the 99 that participated, Omoniyi told the students that their interest in learning about taxation already makes them winners. “Whether you made it to the finals or not, you have won by choosing to learn and grow,” she said.

She noted that the competition is part of KW-IRS’s 5-Es Community Impact Programme — Enterprise, Energy, Education, Empowerment, and Environment — aimed at nurturing responsible citizens through early exposure to tax principles.

Acting Director of KW-IRS, Mrs. Funmilola Oguntunbi, described the quiz as one of the agency’s most impactful initiatives. “The competition is not just about winning but about understanding civic duty,” she said. “When young people learn how taxes fund development, they grow into citizens who value accountability.”

She appreciated teachers, coordinators, and the Executive Chairman for their support, adding that this year’s edition introduced computer-based testing, which boosted participation and efficiency.

Shepherd School, Lafiagi, clinched the first position with -20 points, followed by Government Secondary School, Lafiagi, with -16 points, and St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin, with -10 points. The top three schools received cash prizes of N2.5 million, N1.5 million, and N1 million respectively, while all other participating schools received consolation prizes.

Deputy Chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Finance, Hon. Muhammed Karim, urged the students to extend the lessons learned to their schools and communities. “Every question asked today is an opportunity to shine, and every answer given shows your readiness to make a difference,” he said.

The Emir of Ilesa Baruba, Prof. Halidu Abubakar, also advised citizens to support the Federal Government’s tax reforms, saying, “Without a system of proper taxation, we cannot have responsible citizens.” He called on KW-IRS to involve traditional rulers in grassroots tax sensitization.

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olorungbebe, applauded Governor AbdulRazaq for integrating tax education into the school system, describing it as a strategic step toward shaping responsible citizens.

Representing the governor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Bukola Babalola, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to nurturing informed youths who understand the link between taxes and development.

“We are raising a generation that knows that paying tax means contributing to the society they wish to live in,” she said.

The event ended on a celebratory note as students, teachers, and dignitaries applauded the government’s vision of a self-reliant Kwara built on knowledge, responsibility, and good governance.