Three students win top prizes in tax reforms essay competition

Winners have emerged in the 2025 national essay competition organised by Abuja City Journal (ACJ), which attracted entries from more than 10,000 young Nigerians.

At the grand finale, held in Abuja on Wednesday, Vincent Maduka, Loveson Anselm, and Ogunleye Ayomide took the top three positions. They were awarded N5 million, N3 million, and N2 million, respectively.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) sponsored the competition, which has “Write the Future” as its theme and required participants to explore how tax reforms can shape Nigeria’s economic direction.

Foluso Ojo, publisher of ACJ and convener of the initiative, said the competition was created to elevate academically gifted young Nigerians who rarely receive national recognition.

“Our youth should be celebrated for their intellectual achievements. It was heartbreaking when a top graduate was awarded a paltry sum while entertainers were given millions. That realisation birthed this competition, to support students with intellectual acumen,” Ojo said.

The publisher said the emphasis on tax reform was intentional. 

“We are writing towards the future because the topics discussed today, like tax policies, are about Nigeria’s development,” he added.

Anselm, a medical student at the University of Jos and the first runner-up, described his journey as “a dream come true”.

“I was in the middle of my professional exams when I saw the notice. I took the chance, researched deeply on tax reforms, and it paid off,” he said.

He noted that his research shifted his understanding of Nigeria’s tax reforms. 

“What I discovered is that the reform’s intention is genuine. If fully implemented, it will positively impact Nigeria’s fiscal health.”

Mohamed Salisu, chief economic adviser to the FIRS chairman, said the tax agency supported the initiative to help young people better understand tax administration.

“The future is bright. The FIRS is committed to funding education and human capital development, which are crucial for Nigeria’s growth,” Salisu said.