9th April , 2025
Taiwo Ogunniyi
The Kwara State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to the welfare of state workers, especially those in the education sector, amid growing concerns over the implementation of the recently announced tax relief policy.
During a courtesy visit by the Joint Committee of Colleges of Education in Kwara State to the Ministry of Tertiary Education, the Commissioner highlighted the Governor’s decision to approve a three-month tax holiday for all state workers, describing it as a timely and compassionate move in response to the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
“Governor AbdulRazaq is a listening leader who understands the pulse of the people. The approval of the tax holiday is a reflection of his concern for workers and his determination to ease the burden brought on by rising inflation and the new minimum wage,” Hajia Kawu said.
She added that the initiative is one of several people-focused policies aimed at improving the quality of life for civil servants and their families. According to her, the Governor’s swift action on workers’ welfare stands as proof of his empathetic leadership style.
However, the visit also brought to light a pressing concern among staff of Colleges of Education regarding the implementation of the tax relief. The delegation, led by the Provost of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, Professor Aremu Mukaila, appealed for the Commissioner’s intervention over the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax deductions already remitted to the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).
Professor Aremu expressed gratitude to the Governor for his consistent support, citing achievements such as accreditation of courses, timely salary payments, and prompt response to institutional needs. He also acknowledged the Governor’s proactive leadership in education but urged clarity on the tax relief as it appears workers in Colleges of Education may be excluded.
“Our members are asking questions and threatening to down tools. The union is under pressure, and if nothing is done urgently, it could disrupt academic activities and affect our students,” Aremu warned.
In response, Hajia Kawu assured the delegation that the ministry would engage relevant authorities to resolve the matter and ensure no sector is left behind in the implementation of the Governor’s directive.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Grillo Sebutiyu Kekelomo, also praised the Governor’s gesture, noting that the tax relief—granted through executive order—was designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship on all civil servants, including those in tertiary institutions.
The meeting ended with a mutual understanding to address the tax exemption concerns promptly, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain industrial harmony and sustain academic progress across the state.
