From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Government Day Secondary School Ga’ Akanbi, has clinched first place in the 2024 Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) Tax Club Quiz Competition, emerging victorious over five other secondary schools at the grand finale.
The school triumphed with a total score of 14 points, showcasing exceptional knowledge and understanding of tax-related topics.
The competition, held annually to promote tax education among students, featured six schools in the final stage, including Anglican Boys Academy Oro, Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Government Secondary School Lafiaji, Kwara State College of Education Model Secondary School Oro, and Shepherd Secondary School Lafiaji.
For their outstanding performance, Government Day Secondary School Ga’ Akanbi received a cash prize of N2.5 million. Government Secondary School Lafiagi took the second position, awarded N1.5 million, while Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College secured third place and received N1 million.
During the event, Funmilayo Oguntunbi, Convener of the KW-IRS Tax Club Advocacy Committee (TACAC), highlighted that 154 schools had initially registered in June, with the competition whittling down to six finalists after several stages.
“The commitment shown by these students speaks volumes about their dedication to learning and their future role in society,” Oguntunbi said.
The Executive Chairman of KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi, explained that the competition’s preliminary stages featured a Computer-Based Test (CBT), underscoring the role of technology in refining students’ skills. She commended the state government for its investment in education, urging students to stay committed to their studies.
Kwara State Governor Abdurahman Abdulrazaq, in his messag, emphasised the importance of educating youth on the basics of tax compliance, calling it essential for long-term economic development. “Educating our young people about the rudiments of tax payment is crucial for building a compliant society,” the governor noted.
Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Saadatu Modibo Kawu, lauded the KW-IRS, for fostering a culture of tax compliance among the youths. She highlighted the significance of tax education as a foundation for economic growth and a prosperous future for the younger generation.