ABU’s Faculty of Social Sciences holds first symposium
The Faculty of Social Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has held its first symposium on Wednesday, 19th February, 2025.
The symposium, with theme; Understanding Nigeria’s Tax Reform; Political Bargains, Public Neglect and Economic Consequences of the Emerging Elites Consensus took place at the Faculty’s Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Presenting a paper on the theme of the symposium, Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi explained that taxation plays the roles of primary source of revenue for government, serves as a macroeconomic tool and a tool for income redistribution.
Prof. Rafindadi, who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, disclosed that to perform these three functions, taxation should not be static over a long period of time as has been the case in Nigeria.
Prof. Rafindadi argued that the current attempt is most fundamental and deep-seated in Nigeria’s history, stressing that there is need to seek a total overhaul of the entire tax system by repealling every tax law and replacing with those in the four bills before the National Assembly.
The Professor of Economics concluded that the reform process has exposed the elite-driven decision making nature of Nigeria’s democracy, where the political bargaining prioritized issues that directly benefit the political elites, neglecting other key issues in the reform that directly impacts on citizens and the long-term future of the federation.
In a remark, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala congratulated the Faculty of Social Sciences for reviving the intellectual discourse it is known for.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim, the Vice-Chancellor assured the Faculty and the University community that Management will give the symposium all the necessary publicity it deserves.
Prof. Bala called for collaboration between Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Arts in order to promote multidisciplinary researches.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Shamsuddeen Mohammed, stated that the Faculty decided to revive the culture of intellectual discourse in order to intimate individuals on current national issues and proffer solutions where necessary.
Prof. Shamsuddeen emphasized that the lecture will enable them to have clear understanding of certain policies initiated by the government.
The Dean thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their unwavering support towards the success of the symposium.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim, noted that coming together to address national issues is a community service.
Prof. Doko maintained that as intellectuals, they have the capacity to diagnose government policies to address challenges faced by citizens.
He said the subject matter of taxation is as old as man, adding that tax universally is used as a means of raising resources for public expenditure.
The symposium was attended by Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, Professors, teaching and non-teaching staff of the Faculty.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(AHW).
Wednesday 19th February, 2025.
