FG Introduces ₦10 Million Student Grant and Tax Reform Challenge in Nigeria (See How to Apply)

The Federal Government has introduced a ₦10 million Students Tax Reform Challenge to encourage young Nigerians to participate in shaping the country’s new tax policy framework. The initiative is being managed by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee as part of efforts to deepen public understanding of Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms.

The nationwide competition aims to engage undergraduates and youth corps members in practical discussions about taxation, accountability, and civic responsibility. It provides a platform for students to demonstrate creativity, analytical thinking, and a deeper grasp of fiscal policies that affect everyday life.

Objective of the Challenge

According to the committee, the competition is designed to promote tax education among Nigerian youths and foster public dialogue on how taxation can drive national development. It seeks to build a generation of informed citizens who understand their civic duties and can contribute meaningful insights to tax policy reforms.

The challenge also aims to strengthen accountability and transparency between the government and citizens by reinforcing the importance of civic participation in economic reform processes.

Eligibility Criteria

The challenge is open to undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It also extends to recent graduates currently serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or awaiting mobilisation.

Participants can apply individually or through registered student associations such as accounting clubs, tax societies, or journalism unions.

Accepted Entry Formats

Applicants are required to produce original published content that discusses Nigeria’s new tax reform policy. Submissions can be made in any of the following formats:

• Articles published in print or online
• Podcasts or radio features
• Short videos or documentaries
• Social media campaigns or awareness content

Entries can be presented in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba, but those created in local languages must be accompanied by English translations. For audio or video entries, the duration must not exceed 10 minutes.

Submission Window

The committee stated that all works must be published between July 1 and December 31, 2025, to qualify for the competition.

Key Requirements for a Winning Entry

Entries must be educative, engaging, and factually accurate. Submissions should be written in clear language that is easy for the general public to understand, while maintaining professional depth.

According to the committee, winning submissions will be judged on clarity, technical accuracy, creativity, and their ability to spark meaningful public discussion. Constructive criticism of government policies will also be accepted, provided it is based on verifiable facts and objective analysis.

Competition Process

The Students Tax Reform Challenge will take place in three stages:

Stage 1 – Online Screening:
All applicants will complete an online assessment testing their basic understanding of tax reforms. The two top-performing students (one male and one female) from each institution will advance to the next round.

Stage 2 – Zonal Presentation:
Qualified candidates will compete at the zonal level, presenting their work before a panel made up of academics, tax professionals, journalists, and policy experts. One male and one female winner will emerge from each of the six geopolitical zones.

Stage 3 – National Finals:
Zonal winners will compete at a televised national event where judges will assess their presentations and select the top three national winners.

Prizes and Opportunities

Winners will receive substantial cash rewards and professional recognition. The prize breakdown includes:

• ₦5 million for the overall winner
• ₦3 million for the second-place winner
• ₦2 million for the third-place winner

Other finalists will also benefit from scholarships, internships, mentorship opportunities, and digital gadgets. In addition, each finalist’s student club or association will be awarded a ₦2 million grant to host a tax awareness event within their school.

All national finalists will be formally recognised as Tax Reform Youth Ambassadors and will participate in major national policy discussions and economic development programs.

How to Apply

Applications will open later in the year on the official portal — fiscalreforms.ng. To apply, participants must:

1. Publish their article, video, or podcast within the eligible period.
2. Ensure that the content is factual, educative, and well referenced.
3. Provide an English translation if the submission is in a local language.
4. Register and complete the online assessment once the application portal opens.
5. Upload proof of publication and engagement metrics (such as views, shares, or downloads).

Follow Updates

Participants and interested students are encouraged to follow updates on social media using the hashtag #NGTaxReformChallenge. This will provide timely information on deadlines, assessment details, and event schedules.

The committee noted that the competition is part of a broader national effort to promote fiscal literacy and civic participation among young Nigerians. It will not only reward creativity but also help students understand how tax systems contribute to nation-building.

Through this initiative, the Federal Government hopes to inspire a new generation of youth who are passionate about transparency, accountability, and economic growth.