Jideani Stresses Importance Of Protecting Right To Education In Tax Policy Talks With Gov. Ododo

Sir Agabaidu Jideani, the National Commissioner in Charge of the Right to Education at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has urged Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to implement a policy that prioritizes the right to education for children while ensuring tax compliance from their parents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Jideani made this call in Abuja, reacting to a memo dated November 26, 2024, from the Chairman of the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue Services. The memo directed educational institutions to refuse registration for students whose parents do not provide verifiable Tax Clearance Certificates.

While recognizing the Kogi State government’s efforts to ensure tax compliance among its citizens, especially parents, Jideani criticized the directive. He warned that it could unintentionally deprive children of their fundamental right to education.

“I commend the Kogi State Government’s efforts to ensure tax compliance among parents,” he stated. “However, I believe the memo issued by the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue Services, which mandates that institutions deny registration to students lacking a tax clearance certificate from their parents, could inadvertently deny children their right to education.”

Emphasizing the importance of education as a fundamental human right, guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution, Jideani called for a balance between tax obligations and the protection of this right.

“I urge Governor Ododo to reconsider and revise this policy to ensure that it does not hinder the education of innocent children,” he added.

Jideani also acknowledged the significant progress made by past governors in Kogi State, such as the establishment and renovation of schools and the promotion of universal basic education, which has contributed to a decrease in the number of out-of-school children.

He cautioned that this new policy, which could keep children out of school due to their parents’ financial constraints, might undermine the progress the state has made in the education sector, urging the governor to reassess the directive.