Students from four secondary schools in Plateau State engaged in debates on tax reform, corruption and civic responsibility during a competition organised by the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) as part of activities marking the 2026 Taxpayers Month in Jos.
Participants from Government Secondary School Anglo-Jos, Government Secondary School Kufang, Airforce Military School and St. Augustine College debated issues surrounding taxation and national development, including whether the 2025 tax reform exempting low-income earners from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) violates the principle of tax equity by creating a system where only a minority funds government expenditure. Another motion examined whether tax evasion poses a greater threat to national development than corruption.
At the end of the contest, Government Secondary School Kufang emerged winner in the government schools category, while St. Augustine College topped the non-government schools category. Airforce Military School and Government Secondary School Anglo-Jos finished as runners-up.
Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Jim Pam Wayas, presented cash prizes of ₦1 million each to the winning schools, while the runners-up received ₦500,000 each. Gift items were also distributed to participating students and their teachers.
Speaking during the event, Wayas said the debate competition was designed to deepen students’ understanding of taxation and public finance beyond classroom theory.
“I feel really happy for what just happened. I want to thank God, my parents, my teachers and the organizers of this wonderful event. I also want to encourage other students that they can do even better than us. As long as God is with you, anyone can achieve anything,” said Mercy Ejembi, a student of Government Secondary School Kufang.
Secretary to the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Rehila Olu-Sailas, said the debate forms part of activities marking the annual Taxpayers Month celebration, which includes recognition of compliant taxpayers, community tax awareness campaigns and educational outreach programmes aimed at promoting tax education among young people.
