NIGERIA: Kwara Students Shine As 2025 Tax Club Quiz Competition Comes In To Conclusion

By Balogun Azeez, Kwara, Nigeria.

The 2025 Tax Club Quiz Competition organised by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS), in collaboration with the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development came to a successful conclusion last week.

The annual event, held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, featured six schools competing for the grand prize of N2,500,000 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and other categories of prizes.

The participating schools were Shepherd School, Lafiagi; Government Secondary School, Lafiagi; Saint Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin; Ansarul Islam Grammar School, Ijomu Oro; Roemichs International Schools, Ilorin; and Ansar Ud Deen College, Offa.

At the end of the competition, Shepherd School, Lafiagi, emerged as the winner of the 2025 Tax Club Quiz Competition. The school received N2,500,000 as prizes for school projects, N400,000 for the participating students, and N150,000 for the teacher. The winning school had an outstanding performance, answering all questions correctly.

Government Secondary School, Lafiagi, which was the first runner-up in the 2024 edition, maintained its strong record by securing the second position. The school received N1,500,000 for the school project, N300,000 for the students, and N100,000 for the teacher. Saint Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin, came third and received N1,000,000 for the school project, N200,000 for the students, and N50,000 for the teacher.

Clinching the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions were Ansarul Islam Grammar School Ijomu Oro, Roemichs International Schools, Ilorin, and Ansar Ud Deen CollegeOffa respectively.

In his address at the event, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Bukola Babalola, commended the initiative of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service in collaboration with the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development. He stated: “by engaging our secondary school students in discussions on taxation, finance, and accountability, we are laying the foundation for a new generation of responsible citizens who understand that tax compliance is a civic duty and a cornerstone of national development, especially in this era of tax reforms.” The governor also commended teachers, parents, and mentors who have nurtured the students.

In her remarks, the KW-IRS Executive Chairman, Shade Omoniyi, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his commitment and investment in the State’s education sector, a feat that has produced tax-compliant citizens and multi-talented generations ready to make global impact.

She also appreciated the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, stakeholders across the State, and the management and staff of KW-IRS, while congratulating the ninety-nine (99) schools that registered for the eighth edition of the competition.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Education, and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, who was ably represented by Director , Educational Planning Research and Development, from the Ministry, Mr Adesina Salami; His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilesha Baruba, Prof. Alh. Halidu Abubakar Sabi, Derekureku IV; representative of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Hajia Okanla Kuburat; the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Kareem Musa who represented the Committee Chairman; representative of the Kwara State Chapter of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mohammed Salihu Baba; President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, (NAPPS) Kwara Chapter, Hon. Ishaq Saadu; as well as winners of previous editions of the Tax Club Quiz Competition, who all applauded the State Government and organisers of the exceptional Competition.

Giving the closing remarks, the Director, Income Tax, KW-IRS, Mohammed Usman, congratulated all the participating schools in the 2025 edition. He thanked the dignitaries in attendance and appreciated the KW-IRS leadership for sustaining such an impactful initiative.

The event was graced by other Traditioner rulers including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, represented by Balogun Alanamu, Alhaji Abubakar Jos; HRH Oba (Barr.) Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo and HRH Oba Yakubu Buari, Olomu of Omupo, government officials, media representatives, industry leaders and other distinguished personalities, making it a truly remarkable occasion.