The students wing of Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has again called on the federal government to take a second look at the proposed Tax Reform Bill with a view to sensitising the people well before going ahead with its implementation.
This is even as the group commenced protests in Kano against the proposed bill today, describing it as a threat to education in northern Nigeria.
Speaking during the protest, its national coordinator Hassan Adamu said it would cripple essential educational institutions and initiatives, particularly in the northern region.
He highlighted its adverse impact on organisations like Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) which have been instrumental in supporting education and innovation.
“The implication is that NITDA will not have funds to promote digital inclusion and innovation initiative.
“The proposed bill if passed will divert funds from critical sector such as infrastructure, innovation initiative with long-term development impact.
The protest is part of CNG-SW’s broader advocacy to protect the interests of northern students and ensure that education remains a priority in national policies,” he said.
He said, “We call on the federal government to discontinue the reform process and give room for a holistic consultation and amendment before legislation. We also call on northern legislators and governors to study the bill adequately in order to come up with a practical way out.”
It could be recalled that the students wing of CNG as vanguard of the federal government students loan scheme, have participated actively in sensitising the students, parents and the general public about the Student Loan Scheme Bill and the Act and as well sensitised and mobilised students to apply for the loan.
