The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), specifically from the Southwest Zone D, has raised serious allegations against the Osun State Internal Revenue Service (OIRS), claiming that the agency has been imposing duplicate tax-clearance fees on students enrolled in state-owned tertiary institutions. This accusation has sparked a heated dispute between the student body and the revenue agency, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NANS officials, including Zonal Coordinator Comrade Adeyemo Kayode and Assistant General Secretary Comrade Abubakar Musefiu, detailed their concerns. They reported that students were being charged between N8,000 and N10,000 for tax clearance, even when they had already provided proof of their parents’ tax compliance. This situation has reportedly led to delays in students’ registration and admission processes, with some students claiming they were able to complete their registration only after making these new payments.

NANS conducted a fact-finding mission that supported the claims made in a petition submitted to the OIRS by the NANS Joint Campus Council (JCC) on October 8, 2026. The association expressed frustration over the verification process, which they allege has been inefficient and has left many students in limbo regarding their academic registration.

In response to these issues, NANS has advised affected students to halt payment of the disputed tax-clearance charges while continuing to pay tuition and other undisputed fees. The association has also called for the OIRS and educational institutions to ensure that unresolved verification issues do not hinder students from completing their registration or taking examinations.

NANS has set a deadline of October 27, 2026, for the OIRS to respond in writing to their petition and to initiate a documented resolution process. Their demands include a breakdown of applicable tax laws and rates, clarification on who is liable to pay these taxes, reconciliation of payment records, and refunds for any duplicate or unauthorized charges.

In contrast, OIRS Chairman Hamzat Solanke has dismissed the allegations, asserting that the agency's verification exercise is aimed at confirming tax compliance and preventing fraudulent documentation. He emphasized that every working adult, including students, is required to pay taxes, and that the agency is simply ensuring compliance with tax laws.

Solanke further explained that the verification process utilizes a digital system designed to align payment records with school records, requiring cooperation from educational institutions and their technology providers. He indicated that the agency has been proactive in addressing concerns, having already responded to the JCC's letter and is working through official channels to resolve the matter.

Additionally, Solanke mentioned that the OIRS has made arrests related to suspected fraudulent tax-clearance documentation among students. He urged students and parents who believe they have been subjected to unlawful payments to report these issues directly to the revenue service or visit their nearest tax office for clarification.

As the situation unfolds, NANS has warned that failure to address their demands could lead to peaceful protests, urging students to keep records of their payments and communications as evidence of their claims. The ongoing dispute highlights the critical intersection of education and taxation, raising important questions about the financial burdens placed on students in Nigeria's academic landscape.