The Executive Chairman of Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS), Shade Omoniyi, has publicly commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his significant investments in the state's education sector, highlighting remarkable outcomes in student performance and fiscal governance.
Historic Achievement in Tax Education
This commendation came during the grand finale of the 2025 KW-IRS Tax Club Quiz Competition held in Ilorin. Omoniyi stated that the state now occupies an enviable position among Nigerian states, attributing this success to the governor's visionary leadership. Shepherd School from Lafiagi made history by becoming the first institution to answer all ten questions correctly, achieving a perfect score of 20 points to claim the star prize of ₦2.5 million.
State's Fiscal Performance Reaches New Heights
Omoniyi elaborated on the state's impressive fiscal milestones, citing the recent BudgIT's 2025 State of States Report. Kwara State ranked 3rd in subnational fiscal performance for 2024, marking a significant leap from 10th position in 2021 and 4th in 2023. The report further revealed that the state achieved a remarkable 36% year-on-year growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) between 2023 and 2024.
Additionally, Kwara was ranked fifth among states with the least dependence on federally distributed revenue, demonstrating strategic fiscal discipline and innovation in public finance management. Omoniyi emphasized that these achievements reflect the governor's prudent management style and continue to inspire growth and accountability in public service.
Competition Results and Educational Impact
The intensely contested quiz competition saw Government Day Secondary School, Lafiagi, emerge as first runner-up with 16 points, winning ₦1.5 million. Saint Anthony Secondary School secured third position with 10 points and a ₦1 million prize. The complete ranking includes:
- Fourth place: Ansarul Islam School, Ijomu Oro
- Fifth place: Roemics International School
- Sixth place: Ansarul Deen College, Offa
The annual competition, now in its eighth edition, is specifically designed to promote tax education and financial literacy among secondary school students across Kwara State, with this year's event setting new standards of excellence.
