Prof. Zubairu Delivers NSUK’s 61st Inaugural Lecture, Focuses on Tax Reform and Governance Framework
Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, hosted its 61st Inaugural Lecture, with calls for a more transparent and people-centered tax system capable of driving sustainable national development.
The lecture, titled “Designing an Effective Governance Framework for Tax Reform in Nigeria’s Developing Economy,” was delivered by Professor Abdullahi Danjuma Zubairu, a distinguished Professor of Accounting and Taxation from the Faculty of Administration. The event, held at the University Assembly Hall, attracted academics, traditional rulers, public officials, and other dignitaries who gathered to examine the challenges and future of Nigeria’s tax administration system.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Maikano Mohammed Ari, welcomed guests and applauded the Inaugural Lecture Committee for organizing a successful event.
In his remarks, Prof. Ari described taxation as more than a tool for revenue generation, stressing its role in strengthening the relationship between citizens and government.
According to him, taxation serves as a mechanism through which governments and citizens negotiate the social contract that sustains critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and national security. He added that tax reforms can only succeed where transparency, efficient data management, and clear communication are prioritized.
Delivering the lecture, Prof. A.D. Zubairu argued that a strong governance structure remains essential for creating a fair, efficient, and inclusive tax system in Nigeria.
He identified several obstacles undermining the nation’s tax ecosystem, including low taxpayer confidence resulting from perceived lack of transparency, weak policy frameworks, fragmented stakeholder coordination, and challenges associated with integrating Nigeria’s large informal sector into the tax structure.
Prof. Zubairu further observed that existing tax systems often overlook the psychological and behavioral factors influencing compliance among citizens.
“Taxation is not merely a financial obligation; it is a visible, living contract between the state and its citizens,” he stated.
As part of recommendations aimed at strengthening tax governance, the scholar urged universities to assume greater responsibility in providing data-driven research, policy simulations, and professional training for future tax administrators.
He also called on international development partners to support solutions tailored to Nigeria’s socio-economic realities rather than adopting external models without local adaptation. Additionally, he advocated stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, sub-national actors, and the private sector to ensure effective and sustainable reforms.
In their separate goodwill messages, former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Akaro Mainoma, alongside Hon. (Dr.) Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, (Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons) and Dr. Abdulmumin Zubairu Loko (son of the celebrant who spoke on behalf of the family) all commended the university leadership for sustaining academic excellence and praised Prof. Zubairu’s contributions to scholarship and national development.
The event reached its climax with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Prof. Abdullahi Danjuma Zubairu by the university management in recognition of his outstanding contributions to academic advancement and fiscal research.
The ceremony ended with group photographs bringing to a close another landmark intellectual gathering in the history of the institution.
©️ Information and Protocol Unit, 2026.
Nasarawa State University, Keffi
