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Human Rights Commissioner wants Governor Ododo to reverse tax policy that infringes rights of children to education
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has been urged to reject a new memo from the State Board of Internal Revenue Service which recommends that children must present their parents tax clearance certificate as a precondition for their registration in schools.
Sir Agabaidu Jideani, the National Commissioner in Charge of the Right to Education at the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, gave the caution recently while reacting to an ongoing efforts by Kogi State government to improve its internally generated revenue.
Jideani said his office is aware of a memo dated November 26, 2024 from the Chairman of the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue Services which directed educational institutions not to register students who fail to present verifiable Tax Clearance Certificates from their parents.
While commending Governor Odoodo for his efforts to bring development to Kogi State, Sir Jideani frowned at the content of the memo and called on Governor Ododo, to find a policy mix that prioritizes the right to education of children in the State while seeking tax compliance by schoolchildren’s parents.
He said that the memo as sent to the Governor, was a direct infringement on the right of children to education as contained in Nigeria’s constitution and affront on Geneva Convention on rights of education, among other UNESCO provisions.
Sir Jideani said- “I appreciate the efforts of the Kogi State Government to ensure tax compliance among its citizens, particularly parents. However, I strongly believe that the recent memo issued by the Chairman of the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue Service, which mandates institutions of learning to refuse registration to students without a verifiable tax clearance certificate from their parents, may inadvertently deny children their right to education.”
Continuing, he observed that education is a fundamental human right, universally accepted in democratic societies and enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, saying- “We must balance the obligation to pay taxes with the need to protect this right. I urge the Governor of Kogi State to revise this policy, ensuring that it does not jeopardize the education of innocent children.”
He noted that successive governors in Kogi State have done well with establishing and renovating schools as well as encouraging universal basic education, leading to a significant reduction in out-of-school children in the state.
The Human Rights Commissioner observed that this policy that seeks to keep children out of school on account of the poverty of their parents would negatively impact on the progress made by the state in this sector and called on the governor to revise the policy.
“I commend Governor Ododo for his efforts to bring development to the state. I am confident that, together, we can find a solution that balances tax compliance with the right to educati,” he concluded.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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