By Adesakin Adefemi
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has officially suspended its planned nationwide protest set for 14 January 2026, after the Federal Government gave a firm assurance that the recently enacted Tax Reform Law will not lead to any increase in tuition fees for universities, polytechnics or colleges of education across Nigeria.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued by NANS President Comrade Olushola Oladoja following an Expanded National Executive Council (ENEC) meeting in Abuja.
The student body had initially issued a 14‑day ultimatum in December 2025, threatening mass demonstrations if the implementation of the law was not suspended pending a National Assembly investigation into alleged alterations of the gazetted text.
After extensive engagements with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, the National Assembly, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), NANS confirmed the law’s authenticity and withdrew its protest call.
Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee, briefed student leaders on key provisions that protect low‑income earners including students and channel additional revenue toward state‑level education and infrastructure.
He stressed that the reform explicitly exempts minimum‑wage earners, does not tax gifts or remittances, and forbids levies on educational services that could translate into fee hikes directly addressing NANS’ core concern.
In its official statement, NANS acknowledged that the new law is a deliberate and well‑intentioned statute aimed at improving Nigeria’s economy, strengthening institutional frameworks for revenue generation, with deliberate provisions to protect low‑income earners and vulnerable citizens.
The union resolved that the law does not target the poor; instead, it strengthens social protection while ensuring higher‑income earners contribute more equitably to national revenue.
The ENEC meeting, themed “National Executive Council and Structural Stakeholders’ Forum 2026 on the Tax Reform Act,” brought together student leaders, policy experts, and officials from NAUS, NAPS, NANCES, zonal coordinators, and female student associations.
Tax experts from the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) clarified grey areas and responded comprehensively to public concerns, convincing NANS that the legislation is fair and transparent.
As part of its new mandate, NANS has volunteered to serve as “ambassadors of public enlightenment,” pledging nationwide campaigns to educate fellow students, parents, and communities on the purpose, importance, and benefits of the Tax Reform Law. The union aims to boost citizens’ confidence and trust in the Federal Government during the law’s rollout.
The council also passed a formal vote of confidence on former FIRS Chairman (now head of the Nigeria Revenue Service) Mr. Zacch Adedeji, commending his leadership in operationalising the reform.
It further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his foresight, intentional leadership, and unwavering commitment to fiscal and economic transformation, particularly the NELFUND student loan initiative.
Oyedele later told reporters that the dialogue proved constructive dialogue works collaboration not confrontation and highlighted how the reforms remove tax‑related barriers to emerging sectors like BPO, creating opportunities for young Nigerians a point that resonated strongly with student leaders.
The cancellation averts potential disruptions across campuses and major cities, marking a rare instance of pre‑emptive consensus between student unions and the federal government.
Government officials welcomed NANS’ endorsement, reiterating that the reforms aim to modernise Nigeria’s tax system, enhance revenue for public services, and protect vulnerable groups without compromising affordability of higher education.
With the protest now called off, NANS and the Presidential Committee will co‑produce simplified guides, town‑hall sessions, and digital content to demystify the tax law ensuring that the reform delivers on its promise of equitable growth without penalising learners. The next step: a joint task force to monitor implementation and address any emerging grievances swiftly.
