The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee is pleased to introduce Students Tax Reform Challenge, a nationwide competition for young Nigerians to showcase their knowledge, ideas and creativity on the new tax reform laws.

Objective: The competition and award seek to:

• Raise awareness, promote tax education, and inspire constructive dialogue on Nigeria’s tax reform among young Nigerians.
• Promote balanced, fact-based narrative and analysis of tax issues.
• Develop a pipeline of informed youth ambassadors to drive constructive public engagement.
• Position the tax reform as a tool for reinforcing the social contract – civic duty on the part of citizens and accountability from the government.

Eligibility:

• Open to undergraduate students in all Nigerian tertiary institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education), and graduates who are currently undergoing the NYSC program or awaiting mobilisation.
• Eligible individuals may participate directly or through their institutions’ tax clubs, students’ economics, accounting or journalism associations.

Entry requirements

• Entries may be in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba to encourage inclusivity and reach.

• An interested student is required to read, create and submit published work (articles, videos, podcasts, radio pieces, or social media posts) relating to the tax reform.
• Entries in local languages should be submitted along with the English translation. Videos or podcasts should not exceed 10 minutes. 
• Content must be educative, engaging, and fact-based. Entries that are critical of the reform are welcome.
• Eligible publications: From 1 July – 31 December 2025.

Evaluation criteria

Content must be educative, engaging, and fact-based. Entries that are critical of the reform are welcome. The following criteria will serve as the basis of evaluation:

1. Objectivity & Balance – Work does not contain propaganda and presents constructive insights
2. Technical Correctness – Factual and accurate explanation of the tax laws.
3. Public Engagement – Clarity, creativity, and accessibility for the general public.
4. Impact & Reach – Evidence of engagement (views, shares, or public discussion generated).

Competition Structure

Stage 1 – Screening 

• Online assessment on the general principles and basics of the tax reform administered to all eligible students across all institutions.
• The best two students per institution (top male and female) qualify to the next stage.
• Their submitted works under the entry phase are also evaluated for balance, clarity, and technical soundness.

Stage 2 – Zonal Competitions

• Contestants pitch/discuss assigned topics before expert panels (academics, media, tax officers reps, tax reform committee and experienced professionals).
• Top male and female winners per geopolitical zone will be selected.

Stage 3 – National Finals 

• Finalists are invited to compete in a live audience event and broadcast media (TV, radio, digital).
• A panel of judges (policy experts, journalists, academics) evaluate and crown the winners.

Prizes & Recognition

• 1st Prize: ₦5m
• 2nd Prize: ₦3m
• 3rd Prize: ₦2m 
• Consolation prizes for top 10 finalists from each geopolitical zone including gadgets, internships or employment opportunities, and Tax Reform Youth Ambassador honours!
• All finalists stand the chance to receive at least one of – tech gadgets, employment or internship opportunities, training scholarships, and branded materials.
• Students’ Associations Support: Each finalist’s tax/economics/journalism club or association receives recognition grants of ₦2m to organise a tax education event within their institution.
• Ambassadorship: All finalists named “Tax Reform Youth Ambassadors” with opportunity to participate in national events.

How to apply

Applications will open via the official portal by the end of December 2025 via fiscalreforms.ng. Follow updates on social media with #NGTaxReformChallenge.