The Kogi State Government has introduced a new requirement for students at state-owned tertiary institutions, mandating them to present their parents’ or guardians’ Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) for registration.
This directive, issued in a circular by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), was signed by the Chairman of the agency, Sule Salihu Enehe, and dated November 26, 2024.
The circular, which is effective from January 2025, has been addressed to all heads of state-owned tertiary institutions, including Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.
The circular outlines the new enforcement of the TCC requirement as a condition for student registration, whether they are first-year students or returning students.
It reads, “This is to remind you of the need to ensure compliance for the students of your institution to present the Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) of their parents or verifiable guardians during the registration process.”
The directive has drawn strong opposition from various stakeholders, including parents, citizens, and human rights advocates, who have expressed concerns over the policy.
Critics argue that the policy could be seen as unfair and unreasonable, particularly for students who may not have the financial means to obtain a TCC from their parents.
Some pointed out that the new condition was not included in the original admission and registration requirements for students.
Idris Miliki Abdul, Executive Director of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflicts Resolution (CHRCR), criticized the policy, calling it “harsh” and “absurd,” especially for students who are self-sponsored or come from less affluent backgrounds.
“It’s unfortunate that a student who has met all the conditions for admission now faces this obstacle. We urge the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Kogi State to intervene,” Abdul said.
Meanwhile, Sir Agabaidu Jideani, the National Commissioner in Charge of the Right to Education at the National Human Rights Commission, expressed concerns that the policy could hinder students’ access to education.
“While we understand the government’s need for tax compliance, this measure could potentially deny students their fundamental right to education,” he noted.
Additionally, Arome Odoma, a legal practitioner and rights activist, challenged the legality of the policy, claiming it violates the natural justice and constitutional right to education.
In a pre-action notice addressed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Chairman of KGIRS, Odoma stated that “education is not a privilege but a right, and this policy seeks to deprive students of that right.”
Despite repeated attempts to reach the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kinsley Fanwo, for comments, he did not respond to calls and messages.
The Public Relations Manager of KGIRS, Muktar, also declined to provide a statement, citing the need to seek clearance from his executive council.
