The Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Kwara Chapter, has taken tax education to secondary schools in the state through a debate competition aimed at enhancing knowledge on tax compliance and national economic policies. The event, held in Ilorin on Tuesday, served as the North Central edition of the National Debate Competition, featuring six public secondary schools. The debate focused on the theme: “Increase in Value Added Tax Rate is Beneficial to the Economy.”
Speaking at the competition, SWIT State Coordinator, Mrs. Oluwakemi Obakemi, emphasized the importance of tax education, particularly in light of the proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 10% by the Federal Government’s Tax Reforms Committee.
“It becomes imperative to add our thoughts to the ongoing deliberations on the proposed VAT increment, considering the public outcry. That is why we engaged students to share their perspectives and, in turn, educate the public on the pros and cons of the policy,” Obakemi stated.
She noted that the students’ arguments from the debate would be documented and submitted to the committee before a final decision is made. The Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Prof. Khadijat Yahaya, described the debate as a crucial platform for nurturing young financial experts and future leaders.
“Encouraging young minds to engage in discussions on taxation, economic growth, and national development is key to shaping Nigeria’s economic future,” Yahaya said. Also speaking, the Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Saadat Modibbo-Kawu, represented by Mr. Taye Adedeji, commended SWIT for aligning with the government’s vision for youth empowerment.
The Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Ilorin District Society, Dr. Abdulhakeem Shuaib, also lauded SWIT’s efforts in instilling financial discipline in young students. At the end of the keenly contested debate, Government Girls Day Secondary School, Oke Sunnah, emerged as the winner with 64.5 points. Queen Elizabeth Secondary School secured second place with 59.0 points, while Cherubim and Seraphim College finished third with 57.7 points.
Muminat Abdulganiyu of Government Girls Day Secondary School, Oke Sunnah, and Hamdalat Agboola of Queen Elizabeth Secondary School will represent the North Central Zone in the grand finale scheduled for February 20.
