The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has officially launched the Students Tax Reform Challenge 2025 — a nationwide initiative designed to engage young Nigerians in the country’s ongoing tax reform process. The challenge seeks to promote understanding, innovation, and civic participation in tax matters while rewarding creativity and knowledge among students.
In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the ₦10 million Students Tax Reform Challenge — including eligibility, how to apply, submission formats, stages of the competition, and prizes.
Purpose of the Challenge
The Students Tax Reform Challenge is part of the government’s effort to raise awareness about Nigeria’s new tax reform and promote youth involvement in fiscal policy discussions. The competition provides a platform for undergraduates and youth corps members to share innovative ideas that can shape tax reforms and promote a fairer economy.
The key objectives of the challenge include:
- Promoting tax education and inspiring public dialogue among young Nigerians.
- Encouraging balanced, fact-based analysis of tax reform issues.
- Building a network of youth ambassadors for constructive public engagement.
- Reinforcing civic responsibility by promoting transparency and government accountability.
According to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, “this initiative will nurture a new generation of tax-conscious citizens who understand the role of taxation in national development.”
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to a wide range of young Nigerians in higher education and post-graduate service. Specifically, it targets:
- Undergraduate students in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
- Graduates currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or awaiting mobilisation.
Applicants can participate individually or as representatives of student groups such as tax clubs, accounting associations, economics societies, or journalism clubs.
What to Submit
Applicants are required to create and publish original works that discuss, analyse, or critique Nigeria’s new tax reform. The following formats are accepted:
- Articles (print or online publications)
- Videos (up to 10 minutes)
- Podcasts or radio features
- Social media posts with strong educational value
Entries can be submitted in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba, but all non-English works must include an English translation. Submissions that show creativity, clarity, and factual accuracy will receive higher ratings.
Publication Period
Only works published between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025 are eligible for submission. Any content outside this timeframe will be automatically disqualified.
What Makes a Strong Entry
The committee has outlined key criteria for evaluating submissions. Entries must be:
- Educative: Demonstrate deep understanding of Nigeria’s tax system and reforms.
- Engaging: Capture public interest and encourage conversation.
- Fact-Based: Present verifiable data or credible references.
- Objective: Offer balanced opinions — both supportive and critical perspectives are allowed.
- Accessible: Written or presented in clear, simple language for general audiences.
Submissions that highlight creative solutions or explore innovative approaches to improving tax compliance and fairness are strongly encouraged.
Competition Structure: How It Works
The ₦10 million Students Tax Reform Challenge will take place in three major stages, designed to test both knowledge and communication skills:
Stage 1 – Screening
All eligible participants will complete an online test focused on basic principles of taxation and the recent reforms. The top two performers (one male and one female) from each participating institution will advance to the zonal stage.
Stage 2 – Zonal Competitions
At this stage, qualified candidates will present their published works before a panel of judges comprising tax professionals, journalists, and academics. Each geopolitical zone will produce one male and one female finalist to represent the region at the national level.
Stage 3 – National Finals
The final stage will be a televised and digitally streamed event where zonal winners will compete for the top prizes. The judging panel will evaluate creativity, factual accuracy, clarity, and overall impact before announcing the winners.
Prizes and Recognition
The Students Tax Reform Challenge 2025 features attractive rewards for winners and their institutions. The top three national winners will receive:
- ₦5 million – First Prize
- ₦3 million – Second Prize
- ₦2 million – Third Prize
Beyond the main prizes, other participants will receive gadgets, scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and possible employment offers. In addition, each finalist’s student club or association will get a ₦2 million grant to organise a tax awareness event within their institution.
All finalists will also earn the honorary title of Tax Reform Youth Ambassadors — giving them opportunities to attend national policy dialogues, conferences, and government events on taxation and economic development.
How to Apply
Applications will officially open in December 2025 via the portal: fiscalreforms.ng.
To successfully apply, students must:
- Publish their article, video, or podcast within the eligible period (July–December 2025).
- Ensure that the content is factual, properly referenced, and accessible to the public.
- Translate the work into English if originally produced in a local language.
- Register on the online portal once it opens and complete the tax reform assessment test.
- Upload evidence of their published work — including links, screenshots, or engagement statistics.
Follow Updates and Stay Connected
Students are encouraged to stay informed about the challenge by following official updates on social media and using the hashtag #NGTaxReformChallenge. The Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee frequently shares announcements, deadlines, and educational materials through its verified channels.
“Beyond rewarding winners, this initiative will deepen public understanding of Nigeria’s tax reform and build a generation of responsible taxpayers.”
— Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee
Why This Challenge Matters
Tax reforms play a vital role in Nigeria’s economic development. However, public awareness and understanding remain limited, particularly among the youth. This challenge bridges that gap by transforming complex tax issues into relatable discussions, encouraging innovation, and improving civic engagement.
It also aligns with the Federal Government’s broader vision of inclusive growth — ensuring that citizens, especially the youth, actively participate in shaping fiscal policies that affect their future.
Benefits Beyond the Competition
Winning or participating in the Tax Reform Challenge offers lasting benefits, including:
- Enhanced understanding of fiscal policy and tax systems.
- Networking opportunities with industry experts, government officials, and academics.
- Recognition and visibility on national media platforms.
- Potential internships, scholarships, or recruitment opportunities from public and private institutions.
- Skill development in research, communication, and leadership.
Final Thoughts
The Students Tax Reform Challenge 2025 represents more than just a competition — it’s a national movement for informed civic participation. By encouraging young Nigerians to express their perspectives on taxation and governance, the initiative empowers the next generation to drive meaningful change in fiscal policy.
If you’re a student or NYSC member passionate about finance, public policy, or journalism, this is your chance to make an impact. Begin preparing your article, video, or podcast now, and get ready to register when the portal opens.
For more information: Visit fiscalreforms.ng or follow #NGTaxReformChallenge on social media.