Osun tax row: NANS, OIRS disagree over alleged extortion, double taxation claims
Students Allege Tax Clearance Fraud Amid Revenue Agency Dispute
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has accused the Osun State Inland Revenue Service (OIRS) of improperly charging students for tax clearance, despite claims of compliance with existing tax laws. In a statement released Tuesday, NANS officials, Zonal Coordinator Comrade Adeyemo Kayode and Assistant General Secretary Comrade Abubakar Musefiu, stated that students were being asked to pay between ₦8,000 and ₦10,000 for tax clearance, even after providing evidence that their parents had fulfilled tax obligations.
NANS reported that some students managed to complete their registration by making fresh payments, contradicting their earlier submissions proving tax compliance. The student association has called for transparency from the revenue agency regarding these charges.
NANS has instructed affected students to halt payments related to the disputed tax clearance fees while continuing to pay tuition fees and other recognized charges. The association also urged educational institutions and OIRS to resolve verification issues to avoid hindering students’ registration and examination processes.
OIRS has until October 27, 2026, to respond in writing to a petition submitted by NANS on October 8. Among the demands outlined in the petition are clarifications of applicable tax laws, categories of individuals responsible for tax payments, and reconciliations of payment records, including refunds for any duplicate or unauthorized charges.
NANS further appealed for assistance from Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Osun State House of Assembly, and relevant authorities. The organization warned that failure to address these concerns within the specified timeframe could result in peaceful protests. NANS has encouraged students to keep records of their payments and correspondence as evidence of their complaints.
In response to the allegations, OIRS Chairman Hamzat Solanke refuted any claims of fraudulent activity, suggesting that misunderstandings or misinformation may have contributed to the controversy surrounding the tax clearance verification process. He emphasized that all working adults are obligated to pay taxes and that students, whether returning or newly admitted, are required to show proof of tax payment or consult the appropriate tax office for verification.
Solanke noted that the agency has been in communication with the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) to address concerns through official channels. He stated that the revenue exercise aims to verify compliance and ensure that tax clearance documents are legitimate rather than to impose unlawful fees.
The chairman also explained that the verification process utilizes a digital system designed to synchronize payment records with school information, requiring collaboration between educational institutions and their technology providers.
“It is essential for schools to engage with us as we cannot access their portals without their cooperation,” Solanke said. He also reported that recent efforts have led to several arrests related to suspected fraudulent tax clearance activities among students.
Solanke urged students and parents who believe they have been charged improperly to report their concerns directly to OIRS or visit the nearest tax office. He reassured the public that the agency will investigate legitimate complaints and reiterated the importance of seeking clarification before making allegations of extortion.
