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AKIRS CHAIRMAN INAUGURATES EXECUTIVES OF UNIVERSITY OF UYO TAX CLUB

... calls for partnership in tax sensitisation

Ninety students of the University of Uyo have been inducted as pioneer members of the University's tax club.

The induction and inauguration of the pioneer executive of the club took place in the Onyeama Ugochukwu hall, town campus of the University of Uyo on Tuesday 5th December 2023, and was guided by Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) Uyo and District Society.

The Chairman, of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, AKIRS, Mr. Okon Okon, inaugurated the maiden executive of the University of Uyo Tax Club with a charge on them to propagate the knowledge of taxation to all strata of society.

Mr. Okon, who was chairman on the occasion, congratulated the inductees saying that their inauguration as members of the tax club has given them entrance into the field of taxation to broaden their knowledge on taxation, expose them to a career path in the field of taxation, charged them to assist government expand the reach of tax education, public enlightenment and awareness on the importance of taxation.

He said AKIRS will partner with the club in its ongoing reinvigorated tax awareness drive to help build their capacity on knowledge of taxation which according to him remains a key factor for building the nation.

“I am elated to be in your midst today because tax has become a very important subject matter all over the world. What you are doing is very important to us as a State and as a nation, because the lessons of taxation must get down to the grassroots, to all strata of our society and the best time to get it started is when you are still in school”

“There is a gap between the knowledge of taxation and what it is supposed to be and that knowledge is what we are trying to impart to the society by way of enlightenment, tax education, and tax awareness. What you have decided to do is to join us in tax administration in Nigeria to close that gap so that you can help us create awareness among the general public on tax matters and taxation.”

Mr. Okon who is a member of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms said the theme of the event "Inculcating the Culture of Taxation in Nigeria" is apt, emphasizing that taxation was the most predictable and reliable revenue source that will help diversify the streams of income of the State to reduce over-dependence on oil and its vulnerability to price fluctuations, however, called on the tax club to partner AKIRS in fostering enlightenment activities of the tax profession.

The Chairman AKIRS, further announced the integration of the University of Uyo Tax Club into the activities of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service, adding that the Tax Club will be engaged regularly in sensitization programmes and data collection.  

Presenting a keynote on the theme of the event, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Coordinator for Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross States, Dr. Cletus Adie, said a good tax culture among the citizenry has the potential to improve tax morale leading to tax revenue growth thereby providing government with more financial resources to fund development.

In his remark, the Special Guest of honour, Managing Partner, Eggheads Tax Practitioners, Prof. Ezekiel William, urged the students of The Tax Club (TTC) not to be scared of tax, rather they should familiarise themselves with tax laws and its professional ethics to excel.

Also in his remarks, the Chairman, of Chartered Institute of Nigeria (CITN) Uyo and District, Mr. Godwin Owoanam, congratulated the students for taking the initiative in establishing a Tax Club, pointing out that, their knowledge of taxation can allow them to contribute towards shaping of future tax policies.

The event featured a panel of discussion on the topic, "The Role of Taxpayer Education in Fostering Voluntary Compliance".

The executive members of the Tax Club (TTC) are; President Godwin Asuquo, Vice President Abasiono Ibanga,  Chief Registrar, Mfonma Ukpe Anthony, Director Of Programs And Projects, Fortune Enyinaya Chiwekele, Director Of Research And Editorial David Isaac, Director Of Finance, Mercy Ada, Director Of Administration Kufreabasi Idiok, Director Of Socials/Welfare Sonia Isaiah, Deputy Chief Registrar Etate Awajimijana, Deputy Director of Social/Welfare Blessing Edidiong, Deputy Director of Finance Joshua Inyang, Deputy Director of Media and Publicity Akpan, Ukpono Akaninyeye, Deputy Director of programs and Projects Essien Yaofon Etah, Deputy Director of Research and Editorials Etim Rademene Osim

The high point of the event was the cutting of the induction cake and the presentation of the certificate to the inductees.