By Zarumi Mashood
Shepherd School, Lafiagi on Thursday in Ilorin emerged champions of the 2025 edition of Tax Club Quiz Competition organized by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) and did so in grandstyle.
On the day, Shepherd School took the maximum 20 points available by answering all the questions during the keenly contested final session of the competition. It was the first time in the history of the competition which started eight years ago that such feat was recorded.
Besides standing ovations from an appreciative audience of eminent personalities that included the Governor of Kwara State AbdulRahman AbdulRAzaq who was represented by Princess Adebukola Babalola (Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor); Chairman, Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Works Hon Abdulwaheed Gbenga Yusuf; Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari represented by the Balogun Alanamu, Dr Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos; Emir of Ilesha Baruba, Prof Halidu Abubakar; Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu; Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakubu Buhari, Shepherd School received the sum of N2.5 million and other prizes as rewards for their efforts.
While Government Secondary School, Lafiagi came 2nd and received the sum of N1.5 million and other prizes, the 3rd position went to Saint Anthony Seccondary School, Ilorin went home with reward of N1million and other prizes.
Ansarul Islam Secondary School, Ijomu Oro took the 4th position, with the 5th position going to Roemichs International School, Ilorin as Ansar Ud-deen College, Offa took the 6th position at the end of the competition.
Although three ex-winners of the competition gave goodwill messages at the occasion, by far the most inspiring was that of Blossom Temilola Arise who was one of the competition winners in 2021.
Arise lauded the impacts of the competition on her person and career pursuit, adding to the delight of the KW-IRS staff and the audience, that she had recently attained at a young age the status of a chartered accountant.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuous investment in education, human capital development, and sustainable revenue reforms.
“Together, we are building a State where every citizen understands their role in governance and contributes meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of Kwara”, the Governor said.
He described the competition as the celebration of not just academic excellence but also promotion of financial literacy and civic responsibility among the secondary school students in the State.
Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Princess Adebukola Babalola, Governor AbdulRazaq said the laudable initiative by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development represents a forward-thinking investment in the future of the state.
“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.
“That is why I commend KW-IRS and the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development for sustaining this impactful initiative and taking tax education beyond the walls of government offices into our schools, where the seeds of integrity, patriotism, and accountability are first sown. This is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with our broader vision of nurturing a knowledge-driven and economically self-reliant Kwara State.
“To our students, I say this: what you are learning here today goes far beyond winning a quiz. You are being equipped with knowledge that empowers you to be responsible leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the future. Understanding taxation means understanding development, it means understanding how your contribution can shape the society you wish to live in”.
Declaring the finals open, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS), Shade Omoniyi said ninety-nine schools drawn from both public and private secondary schools across the State expressed interest in this year’s competition, but only the six schools made it to the grand finale after rigorous preliminary and semi-final stages held earlier in the year.
She said “the KW-IRS Tax Club Quiz Competition is an educational initiative under our 5-Es Community Impact Programmes — Enterprise, Energy, Education, Empowerment, and Environment. This program is deliberately designed to nurture a tax-compliant generation by exposing young minds to the fundamentals of taxation right from secondary school to taxable adulthood.
“Just as we had last year, twelve (12) schools advanced to the semi-final stage, and today, six (6) outstanding schools are competing for the grand prize of Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦2,500,000.00). The second and third positions will receive ₦1,500,000.00 and ₦1,000,000.00 respectively, while all participating schools will receive consolation prizes in recognition of their efforts and commitment”.
“To every student here today, whether your school made it to the finals or not, you are all winners. I urge you to remain committed to your studies, believe in your abilities, and know that the sky cannot be the limit to your future accomplishments”.
She expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment and continuous investment in the education sector of the State. “This noble vision has continued to yield outstanding results, with our students in both public and private schools, winning medals locally and internationally”.
“This investment has indeed produced a generation of disciplined, tax-conscious, and multi-talented youths ready to conquer the world. Your Excellency, we are deeply grateful for your developmental initiatives and landmark achievements that have positively transformed every sector of the State since the commencement of your administration”.
Also speaking, the Convener, KW-IRS Tax Club Advocacy Committee (TACAC), Funmilola Oguntunbi informed that for eight years, the competition has been successfully organized by the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) in collaboration with the Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.
She described it as “one of the Service’s most cherished platforms for engaging, educating, and inspiring the younger generation. The consistency of this initiative over the years reflects our unwavering commitment to building a tax-conscious and responsible society, starting with our students who are the leaders of tomorrow.”
According to Oguntunbi, “The competition is not just about winning; it is about learning and developing a sense of civic responsibility. Through this competition, we aim to equip our young minds with knowledge about the importance of taxation, how tax revenue contributes to State development, and the critical role every citizen plays in sustaining good governance.
“At KW-IRS, we believe that when students understand taxation early, they grow to become informed adults who appreciate their obligations to society. This awareness helps to strengthen voluntary compliance and supports the vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Kwara State.”
She also disclosed that there had been remarkable improvements from past editions of the competition, adding that last year a new dimension was introduced that enabled participants to write both the preliminary and semi-final stages as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) in their respective schools, instead of having to travel.
Oguntunbi expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman, Shade Omoniyi, “for her unwavering support, visionary leadership, and continuous encouragement in sustaining this annual competition. Her passion for education and youth development continues to inspire all of us at KW-IRS.
“To the participating schools, teachers, and coordinators, we thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and guidance. Your efforts in grooming these brilliant minds are deeply appreciated,” she concluded.
