Shaping Civic-Minded Citizens Through Early Tax Education

Published By Jerry Adesewo On May 20, 2025

Shaping Civic-Minded Citizens Through Early Tax Education

By Jerry Adesewo

In an era when civic ignorance is no longer a luxury Nigeria can afford, “Taxation: Essential Knowledge for Nigerian Children” emerges as a much-needed resource to bridge the knowledge gap in one of the most misunderstood and yet crucial pillars of nation-building: taxation. Authored by Arabinrin Aderonke Bello and Ejura Blessing Haruna, this well-researched and expertly simplified book takes the bold step of introducing young Nigerians to the complex but essential subject of taxes in a way that is both enlightening and accessible.

Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest in the world. This economic reality reflects not just structural inefficiencies but also a fundamental lack of public engagement with taxation. This book confronts that challenge head-on by sowing the seeds of awareness at the most formative stage: childhood. It is, in every sense, a civic education tool for tomorrow’s responsible taxpayers and leaders.

Designed for secondary school students, the book demystifies the idea of taxation, introducing young readers to its definitions, types, history (with roots in ancient Mesopotamia and Nigeria’s colonial past), and its role in funding public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Through chapters like “The Purpose of Taxes”, “Understanding Tax Responsibilities”, and “Global Perspectives on Taxation”, it shows that taxes are not just financial obligations—they are instruments of justice, equity, and national progress.

What sets this book apart is its pedagogical elegance. It simplifies abstract financial concepts without being condescending, using relatable analogies—such as children pooling money to buy pizza—to explain collective responsibility. It balances explanation with historical depth, case studies, and moral reasoning, creating a rich educational tapestry that will resonate with young readers and educators alike.

Its importance in the Nigerian context cannot be overstated. In a country battling tax evasion, corruption, and public distrust in government spending, this book doesn’t just teach—it inspires. By including chapters on “Common Misconceptions about Taxes” and “The Moral Imperative of Tax Payment”, the authors tackle cynicism head-on and lay a foundation for more informed democratic engagement. This is particularly relevant today as Nigeria attempts to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on oil revenue. A well-informed citizenry is a prerequisite for that transformation.

Additionally, the book, edited by Dr. MS. Abubakar features a laudable chapter profiling the reforms spearheaded by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) under the leadership of Dr. Zacch Adedeji. This section not only contextualises current policy developments but also offers young readers real-time relevance to the theoretical concepts they are learning. The profiles of taxation in countries like Egypt and South Africa provide a comparative perspective that broadens the reader’s worldview.

The inclusion of quizzes, glossaries, and visually engaging layout elements makes the book even more user-friendly. It is as suited for classroom teaching as it is for home reading. The dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects the authors’ intent to align this educational initiative with the national economic agenda of fiscal reform and inclusivity.

This book also serves as a quiet but potent call to action for policymakers and educationists. With the recent push for curriculum reform by Nigeria’s Ministry of Education, this text deserves a place within the civic education and social studies syllabus of all secondary schools in the federation. Tax literacy is no longer optional—it is vital for nurturing a generation that is financially literate, socially responsible, and democratically engaged.

What makes this book especially impactful is its thoughtful use of language. Understanding its young audience, the authors employ a clear, friendly, and engaging tone throughout. The text is free from jargon, yet rich in meaning, and offers a conversational style that invites curiosity rather than intimidation.

Taxation: Essential Knowledge for Nigerian Children is not merely a book. It is a blueprint for national transformation through early education. By empowering children with knowledge about taxes, it creates ripple effects that may influence household behaviour, community attitudes, and ultimately, national policy. It is an investment in Nigeria’s future—one reader at a time.

As the book is publicly presented next Tuesday, it is hoped that this will mark the beginning of a movement—a movement toward embedding financial literacy and civic duty into the heart of Nigerian basic education. It is, quite frankly, a book every Nigerian child—and parent—should read, and the FIRS and its partners must ensure that this happens.

Shaping Civic-Minded Citizens Through Early Tax Education