….As Governor Oyebanji speaks glowingly on EKIRS Boss
- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Vice Chancellor, Hillside University of Science and Technology (HUST), Okemesi-Ekiti, Professor Iheanyichukwu Okoro has said that the institution had made immense contributions in the development of education in Ekiti state and Nigeria.
Professor Okoro, who highlighted HUST’s rapid growth, noting an increase in student enrollment and ongoing infrastructure developments, including a new facility for the School of Basic Medical Sciences in Ibadan and improved learning resources such as an extensive e-library.
The university don stated that, HUST is committed to providing holistic education that blends intellectual, ethical, and entrepreneurial training.
He hinted that the school has recorded a tremendous achievement in the last few years of it’s existence, noting that the institution has not to joke with producing best students that can compete globally.
His words: “The progress and growth made so far has indeed reflects our dedication to academic excellence and institutional development as we’ve taken the bull by the horn to produce nothing but the best.
“Over the past year, we have made significant strides in the following areas which includes infrastructure development, acquisition of a four-story facility for the School of Basic Medical Sciences in Ibadan, Oyo State, ongoing development of a Nursing Department facility on our main campus, both of which has been completed, well-equipped engineering and basic sciences laboratories for practical training among others.
He sated that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved thirty-five (35) academic programs for HUST, which they have commenced with ten (10) of the programs.
“HUST has made remarkable progress into its short existence. In our inaugural session, we matriculated twenty-five (25) students. We have celebrate the induction of one hundred
and four (104) students. This growth reflects our dedication to academics excellence.
The VC reiterated the university’s vision of producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also innovative and socially responsible, as he emphasized the institution’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills.
In his contribution at the event, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji commended the State’s Internal Revenue Services (EKIRS), led by its Chairman, Pastor Olaniran Olatona for their outstanding performance, professionalism and strategic innovation, the Governor gladly revealed that his administration had been able to gear up internally generated revenue of the state from N650Million to over N2Billion within 26 months serving as base for providing critical funding to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
The Governor stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Joint Tax Board Strategic Retreat held at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti on Friday.
Governor Oyebanji reaffirmed the commitment of his administration towards the implementation of the National Tax Reforms, noting that the importance of a robust tax system in driving economic growth and citizens’ welfare cannot be over emphasized.
“With the signing of these Tax Reform Bills by the President, and the planned commencement of implementation starting from January 2026, we have been presented with a historic opportunity to reshape how our country mobilizes revenue, fosters compliance, and delivers sustainable development.
“The courage and vision of Mr President deserve our highest commendation as we align with his determination to reposition Nigeria for greatness. These reforms will shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s economy for years to come.
“We, in Ekiti State, are committed to implementing these national reforms effectively and efficiently. We recognize the importance of a robust tax system in driving economic growth and enhancing citizen welfare. During your stay, I encourage you to see how we have channelled every kobo generated into projects that directly impact the lives of our people—a key factor in the high levels of voluntary compliance we have witnessed.
“In a tangible show of support for our Internal Revenue Service, I am pleased to announce that I will be commissioning the new, Ekiti Revenue House within the next four weeks.
“Beyond this retreat, I invite you to see Ekiti as a prime destination for investment. We offer a stable, reform-minded government, a highly literate and trainable workforce, vast opportunities in agriculture, The Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKZ), tourism, and solid minerals, all within a secure and peaceful environment conducive to business growth.
The governor who also called on members of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), the apex body for all tax authorities in Nigeria, to ensure effective and equitable tax system in the country, in a bid to ensure the fulfilment of the Tax Reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently passed by the National Assembly.
The Governor commended President Tinubu for proposing a far-reaching reform aimed at lifting the living standards of citizens which, according to him, is truly transformative and a collective fulfilment of the social contract that reinforces democratic governance for the existence of the country.
He explained that the key objectives of the bill are aimed at deepening the tax base, enhance revenue mobilization, simplify compliance procedures, foster transparency and accountability across revenue agencies, as well as encourage digitalization in tax administration. He added that the implementation of the bill next year will reshape process of revenue mobilization and delivery of sustainable development.
Governor Oyebanji charged participants at the retreat which included Executive Chairmen of Internal Revenue Services of the 36 states of the federation to effectively deliberate on the implications of the law to national development which he described as a pivotal shift towards a resilient and self-reliant economy to achieve transformative policy.
The Chairman, Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Olaniran Olatona expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji who had been a pillar of support to the process of internally generated revenue in the state which he promised to effectively used for the development of the state and which have brought about voluntary compliance to tax payment by residents of the state.
Olatona noted that the tax system was already equipped for a dynamic change that will bring improvement to the lives of the citizens since it was the first time the country was experiencing such massive reform expected to be beneficial to all.
