The Federal Government has launched the Students’ Tax Reform Challenge, a nationwide competition aimed at engaging Nigerian students and young graduates on the country’s ongoing tax reforms, with cash prizes totaling ₦10 million and other incentives.

The initiative, unveiled by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, is designed to promote tax education, stimulate informed public discourse and encourage youth participation in Nigeria’s tax reform process.

According to the organisers, winners of the competition will receive cash prizes, tech gadgets, employment and internship opportunities, training scholarships and branded materials.

A breakdown of the cash rewards shows that the first prize winner will receive ₦5 million, the second prize ₦3 million, while the third prize will get ₦2 million.

In addition, consolation prizes will be awarded to the top 10 finalists from each geopolitical zone, including gadgets, internships or employment opportunities, as well as honours as Tax Reform Youth Ambassadors.

The committee said the challenge is open to undergraduate students of Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, as well as graduates currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or awaiting mobilisation.

Eligible participants may enter as individuals or through their institutions’ tax clubs, economics, accounting or journalism associations.

The organisers explained that entries could be submitted in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba to ensure inclusivity and wider reach. However, entries in local languages must be accompanied by an English translation.

Submissions are expected to be published works such as articles, videos, podcasts, radio pieces or social media content related to Nigeria’s tax reforms. Videos or podcasts must not exceed 10 minutes.

The committee emphasised that submissions should be educative, engaging and fact-based, noting that entries critical of the tax reforms are also welcome.

Outlining the objectives of the challenge, the committee said it seeks to raise awareness and promote tax education among young Nigerians, encourage balanced and fact-based narratives on tax issues, and develop a pipeline of informed youth ambassadors to support constructive public engagement.

It added that the initiative is also intended to position tax reform as a tool for strengthening the social contract, highlighting citizens’ civic responsibilities alongside government accountability.

As part of the incentives, each finalist’s students’ association or tax, economics or journalism club will receive a ₦2 million recognition grant to organise a tax education event within their institution.

All finalists will also be designated Tax Reform Youth Ambassadors and given opportunities to participate in national engagements related to fiscal policy and taxation.

Entries will be assessed based on objectivity and balance, technical accuracy, clarity and creativity, as well as public engagement and impact, including evidence of audience reach such as views, shares or discussions generated.
Applications for the Students’ Tax Reform Challenge will close on Dec. 31, 2025.

Interested candidates are required to submit their entries through the official application portal provided by the organisers.