The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has inaugurated a tax club in the Department of Accountancy, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, geared towards strengthening tax education and professional development in the institution, especially among staff and students.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunday Elom, lauded the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Abakaliki District, for its commitment to promoting tax education and professional development among students of AEFUNAI.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Celestine Afiaukwa, noted that the establishment of the Tax Club was a timely and strategic initiative that aligns with the University’s mandate of producing graduates equipped with relevant professional and entrepreneurial skills, stressing that taxation remains a critical pillar of national development and governance.
He added that early exposure of students to tax knowledge would enhance financial literacy, civic responsibility, and career preparedness, and assured the visitors of the University’s willingness to sustain collaborations that bridge the gap between academia and professional practice.
Prof. Afiaukwa expressed appreciation to CITN for choosing AE-FUNAI as a partner in advancing tax awareness and professional mentorship. He encouraged students to take full advantage of the Tax Club by actively participating in its programmes, trainings, and outreach activities, adding that the University would continue to provide the necessary institutional support to ensure the success of the initiative. He commended the Accountancy Department for facilitating the partnership and reaffirmed AE-FUNAI’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive graduates.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Kingsley Onyekezie, described the inauguration of the tax club as both historic and a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to academic excellence and practical learning. He noted that the establishment of the Tax Club reflects the university’s proactive approach to equipping students with relevant knowledge and skills in taxation, public finance, and civic responsibility, which are increasingly important in today’s dynamic economic environment.
Oyekezie emphasized that the Tax Club would serve as a vital platform for intellectual engagement, professional mentorship, and student development, and encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunities the club offers by actively participating in its programmes, engaging with industry experts, and upholding the values of integrity and professionalism. He also expressed confidence that the initiative would not only enrich students’ academic experiences but also contribute positively to tax awareness and responsible citizenship within the university community.
In his welcome remarks, the Head, Department of Accountancy, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Dr. Monday Ikpor described the inauguration of the Tax Club as a strategic academic initiative aimed at strengthening the link between classroom learning and professional practice, adding that the collaboration between the Tax Club and the Accountancy Department was deliberate, as taxation remains a core component of accounting education and a critical pillar of financial management, governance, and economic development.
He further emphasized that the department would provide academic guidance and mentorship to ensure the sustainability and relevance of the club’s activities. According to him, the Tax Club would offer students practical exposure to contemporary tax issues, regulatory frameworks, and professional ethics, thereby preparing them for careers in taxation, accounting, and related fields. He commended the partnership with the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and expressed optimism that the initiative would enhance students’ professional competence, research interests, and employability.
Speaking during the inauguration, Dr. Justina Nnachi described the Federal Government tax reform as a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s revenue base and improving economic governance. She explained that the reforms are designed to simplify tax administration, broaden the tax net, and promote fairness by reducing the burden on low-income earners and small businesses while enhancing compliance through technology-driven processes.
Nnachi highlighted major components of the reform, including the harmonization of multiple taxes, improved coordination among tax authorities, and the digitalization of tax filing and collection systems. According to her, these measures are expected to reduce tax evasion, increase transparency, and create a more predictable fiscal environment for businesses and investors.
She further noted that the reforms will support national development by increasing government revenue for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical public services. She however, encouraged students to take keen interest in tax policy and administration, stressing that a sound understanding of taxation is essential for effective governance and sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Uche Friday Eniogwu of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) explained that the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) is mandated to raise, maintain and regulate the standards of taxation practice among its members, while promoting professional ethics and efficiency in tax administration and practice. He noted that the Institute also encourages, promotes and coordinates research and capacity development aimed at advancing taxation practice and administration in Nigeria.
According to him, the CITN Students’ Association, approved for establishment in relevant departments of tertiary institutions across the country, is designed to expose students to emerging opportunities in the tax profession. He stated that the initiative provides undergraduates with early professional orientation, practical insights and career guidance, positioning them to excel and remain competitive as future entrants into the taxation space.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Abakaliki District Society of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Sylvester Irem, described taxation as fundamental to the survival and progress of any modern society, noting that “tax is the lifeblood of modern governance and it is about how a country works”. He explained that taxation remains the primary means through which governments mobilize resources to provide critical public services such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, support security, social integration and create opportunities for young people. According to him, a well-structured and efficiently administered tax system is essential for sustainable economic growth and effective governance.
Irem further explained that the inauguration of the AE-FUNAI Tax Club was a timely initiative aimed at nurturing future tax professionals and promoting a culture of tax compliance among young people. He encouraged students to leverage the platform provided by the club to deepen their understanding of taxation, develop professional ethics, and engage with industry practitioners, while urging members to become ambassadors of tax awareness within the university community and beyond, stressing that early exposure to tax education would prepare them for leadership positions in Nigeria’s fiscal and economic development.
The newly inaugurated President of the AE-FUNAI Tax Club Miss Ukwame Gloria Amarachi, called on students to take active roles in understanding and influencing Nigeria’s tax system. She emphasized the importance of tax education and civic engagement in raising economic development and ensuring citizens’ welfare under the nation’s new tax reforms.
Ukwame highlighted the club’s plans to raise awareness of tax policies, facilitate dialogue between students and policymakers, and equip members with practical tax knowledge. She described the club as a bridge between academic learning and real-world fiscal policy, urging students to contribute ideas that will promote fair, effective, and inclusive taxation within tertiary institutions.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award of leadership excellence to Professor Sunday Elom for his meritorious service as Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.
