FULOKOJA VC Prof. Ibileye Advocates for Staff Welfare; Engages Kogi Revenue Boss on Taxation Concerns

The Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service paid a courtesy and congratulatory visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, during which issues affecting members of the University community, particularly staff taxation, were discussed.

The visit, which took place at the Vice-Chancellor’s office in Lokoja, provided an opportunity for the Revenue Service Chairman to formally congratulate Professor Ibileye on his appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor and to reaffirm the state agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the University.

Welcoming the Chairman and his delegation, Professor Ibileye expressed appreciation for the visit and the goodwill extended by the Revenue Service. He noted that the University places high value on cordial working relationships with key government institutions in Kogi State.

The Vice-Chancellor, however, used the opportunity to raise concerns about the growing complaints from members of staff of the University regarding what he described as excessive taxation and multiple deductions, which have placed significant financial pressure on workers.

Professor Ibileye explained that many staff members have reported serious financial strain due to the current tax structure being applied by the state revenue authorities. According to him, the situation has generated widespread anxiety within the University community and has continued to affect staff morale and overall welfare.

He therefore appealed to the Chairman to look into the matter and facilitate a constructive engagement that would lead to a fair and sustainable taxation framework for staff of the University.

Responding, the Chairman of Kogi State Internal Revenue Service commended the Vice-Chancellor for his openness and acknowledged the concerns raised by the University management.

He assured the Vice-Chancellor that the issues presented would receive careful attention and proposed that the University management formally seek an audience with the Governor of Kogi State to discuss the matter comprehensively.

According to the Chairman, such a meeting would provide an opportunity to clarify the issues surrounding the taxation concerns and work towards an amicable resolution that would address the welfare of the staff while maintaining the state’s revenue policies.

He further pledged his readiness to participate in the proposed meeting and expressed confidence that the Governor would listen to the concerns of the University community.

“I am confident that once the issues are presented at the appropriate level, the Governor will give them the attention they deserve. I will personally be part of that meeting to ensure that a workable solution is reached,” he said.

The Chairman reassured the Vice-Chancellor that efforts would be made to ensure that the taxation concerns are addressed in a manner that will allow staff of the University to heave a sigh of relief.

The visit ended on a cordial note, with both parties expressing optimism that the engagement would strengthen cooperation between the Revenue Service and Federal University Lokoja while also paving the way for a practical solution to the taxation concerns raised by the University.