On Wednesday, June 27, 2024, the University of Ibadan secured the 2nd runner-up position at the eighth National Tax Debate competition, organized by The Tax Club of the University of Lagos, which took place at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Main Auditorium, University of Lagos.
The tax-based debate, themed ‘Reimagining Fiscal Strategies for Economic Growth and Development‘, had three stages, and featured representatives from various tertairy institutions, nationwide. The Tax Club, UI, was ably represented by a team of four consisting of; Idowu Ademola, Adebayo AbdulRahman, Olatunji Bamidele, and Ishola Sekinat.
The first stage, which entailed an essay submission, served as qualification to the subsequent stages. The team then qualified for the finals after acing through a preliminary debate delivered by Idowu Ademola on the topic “Give to Caesar vs. Take from Caesar: Making a case for Tax Equity“.
The three other members; Adebayo AbdulRahman, Olatunji Bamidele, and Ishola Sekinat, advanced to represent the team in the final stage, where they delivered a PowerPoint presentation centered on the event’s theme, “Reimagining Fiscal Strategies for Economic Growth and Development“. Subsequently, they engaged in a Question & Answer session moderated by other teams and judges.
There was also an impromptu debate round among the qualified schools present at the event. The UI Tax club Team eventually emerged the second runner-up, walking away with a prize of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (#150,000).
Speaking with our correspondent about his experience at the event, Mr. Olatunji Bamidele said, “I believe the event provided a valuable platform to address recurring fiscal issues and foster conversations that can help the country move forward. It was indeed a significant learning opportunity for me. Kudos to the Tax Club of Unilag for organizing such a remarkable event and for their warm welcome and hospitality.”
The debate aimed to promote awareness and education about tax, as well as innovation and intellectual engagement.
Sidiq Moshood.
