Kogi State Lifts Tax Clearance Requirement for Student Enrollment

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has ordered the immediate removal of the requirement for parents to present Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) before their children can enroll in state-owned postsecondary institutions. The announcement was made by Alhaji Sule Enehe, Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), during a media briefing in Lokoja.

The decision follows widespread public criticism and protests by civil society organizations, who argued that the policy hindered students' access to education.

According to Enehe, the governor’s directive ensures that no student will be denied registration due to their parents' inability to provide a TCC.
“The governor responded swiftly to public concerns, emphasizing that education must remain accessible to all Kogi State students,” Enehe stated.

While removing the TCC requirement, Enehe highlighted the importance of tax compliance, describing it as a civic duty under Section 24(f) of the Nigerian Constitution. He urged residents to fulfill their tax obligations, noting that failing to pay taxes could affect access to certain government benefits, such as student bursaries.

“Kogi State is committed to providing quality and affordable education, as evidenced by the establishment of three state-owned universities. Parents must play their part by paying taxes to support these initiatives and other social amenities,” Enehe added.

He also shared the government’s efforts to combat fraudulent tax activities, revealing that several dishonest employees had been dismissed and 43 illegal tax collectors convicted.

The KGIRS has introduced automated tax payment systems to simplify compliance for individuals and businesses. These improvements have contributed to a steady increase in revenue, with collections rising from N17 billion in 2021 to N27.7 billion in 2024. The service aims to generate N35.1 billion in 2025.