Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has issued a directive halting the requirement of Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) for students’ registration into tertiary institutions.
The decision was made following public outcry over the controversial policy that had been in place for the past two years at institutions like the Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba.
Alhaji Sule Enehe, Chairman of the Kogi State Revenue Services (KGSIR), announced the suspension at a press conference in Lokoja on Wednesday.
He clarified that, under the new directive, students should no longer be denied registration due to the absence of their parents’ or guardians’ tax clearance certificates.
The policy, initially introduced on January 8, had required the presentation of TCCs from parents or guardians as a condition for student admission into higher institutions in the state.
The move, intended to boost the state’s revenue for governance and public services, had been criticized by various public groups, arguing that it infringed on children’s right to education.
Enehe emphasized that while the TCC requirement for registration had been lifted, it remained mandatory for all citizens to pay income taxes and obtain their tax clearance certificates as per Nigerian law.
He also noted that failure to comply could affect students’ eligibility for bursaries and other privileges.
In his remarks, Enehe also addressed the issue of illegal tax collectors who have been disrupting the state’s highways, stating that the Kogi State Revenue Service had arrested several suspects involved in such activities.
He reassured the public that the service would continue to clamp down on these fraudsters.
Looking ahead, Enehe revealed that the state is targeting a revenue collection of N35.1 billion in 2025, with a goal to build on the N27.7 billion raised in 2024, using modern technology to facilitate tax payments for both businesses and individuals.
