Education Committee calls for inclusion in tax holiday

The Joint Committee of Colleges of Education in Kwara has called for inclusion in the tax holiday enjoyed by state workers to alleviate the economic impact on civil servants.

Prof. Mukaila Aremu, Provost of Kwara State College of Education, Oro, made the appeal when he led the committee delegation on a visit to the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adat Modibbo-Kawu, on Wednesday.

Aremu also urged the commissioner to intervene in the issue of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax deductions being remitted to the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS).

He noted that the union is putting pressure on the leadership of institutions, with members questioning the exclusion of Colleges of Education from the executive tax relief extended to all state workers in the last quarter of 2024.

Aremu appealed for urgent intervention to prevent disruptions to academic activities.

The Provost commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support for Colleges of Education in the state.

He also praised the administration for its swift response to the sector’s needs, including course accreditation, prompt payment of salaries, and addressing operational challenges.

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“Gov. AbdulRazaq has shown us what true leadership means. His support has empowered us to demand more accountability and dedication from our staff,” he said.

In her response, Hajia Modibbo-Kawu reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of workers across the state, particularly in the education sector.

She emphasized that the governor’s recent approval of a three-month tax holiday for all state workers demonstrates his sensitivity to the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

“This initiative clearly reflects the governor’s deep empathy for the working population.

“He does not just listen; he acts swiftly and decisively to improve the quality of life for civil servants and their families.

“The tax holiday is just one of many people-oriented policies under his leadership.

“The ministry will look into your concerns, particularly regarding the implementation of the tax relief within the tertiary education sector,” she said.