By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The National Commissioner in Charge of the Right to Education at the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, NHRC, Sir Agabaidu Jideani, has called on the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, to find a policy mix that prioritises the right to education of children in Kogi State while seeking tax compliance by schoolchildren’s parents.

Jideani spoke in Abuja while reacting to reports that a memo dated November 26, 2024, from the Chairman of Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue Services directed educational institutions not to register students who fail to present verifiable Tax Clearance Certificates from their parents.

While commending the efforts of Kogi State government to ensure tax compliance among its citizens, particularly parents, he faulted the directive, saying the action could deny children their right to education.

“I appreciate the efforts of the Kogi State Government to ensure tax compliance among its citizens, particularly parents.

“However, I strongly believe that the recent memo issued by the Chairman of the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue Service, which mandates institutions of learning to refuse registration to students without a verifiable tax clearance certificate from their parents, may inadvertently deny children their right to education, “he insisted.

Noting that education is a fundamental human right, universally accepted in democratic societies and enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, he said, “We must balance the obligation to pay taxes with the need to protect this right.”

“I urge the Governor of Kogi State to revise this policy, ensuring that it does not jeopardise the education of innocent children,” he said.

According to him, successive governors in Kogi State have done very well with establishing and renovating schools and encouraging universal basic education, leading to a significant reduction in out-of-school children in the state.

He observed that this policy that seeks to keep children out of school on account of the poverty of the parents would negatively impact the progress made by the state in this sector and called on the governor to revise the policy.

“I commend Governor Ododo for his efforts to bring development to the state. I am confident that, together, we can find a solution that balances tax compliance with the right to education,” he added.