FIRS Chair Pushes for Innovation Partnerships With Nigerian Universities

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has called for deeper collaboration between Nigerian tertiary institutions and the tax authority to drive innovation and develop practical solutions to national economic challenges.

Adedeji made the appeal while delivering the 2025 Distinguished Lecture at the University of Ilesa, Osun State, where he analysed Nigeria’s fiscal realities and outlined reforms aimed at strengthening economic resilience under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He highlighted critical initiatives being implemented by the FIRS, including digitisation of tax processes, expansion of the tax base, intergovernmental collaboration for tax harmonisation, and institutional reforms geared toward rebuilding public trust.

The FIRS boss stressed the need for Nigeria to diversify its productive base beyond crude oil, pointing to opportunities in agro-processing, digital technology, solid minerals, and the creative sector as necessary engines for sustainable economic growth.

Adedeji emphasised that academic institutions play an essential role in shaping national development, urging universities to produce research that can support policy formulation, operational efficiency, and revenue mobilisation.

“In building economic resilience, the responsibility does not rest on government alone. Our universities must actively generate solutions that respond to present-day challenges,” he said.

“The FIRS is ready to partner with scholars on joint research, policy innovation hubs, and technology-driven ideas that strengthen domestic revenue systems and modernise tax administration,” he added.

Adedeji also paid tribute to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu, recounting how the academic supported his professional journey as a student and describing him as a mentor whose encouragement helped shape his career. Prof. Asaolu said the annual lecture series is designed to stimulate conversations on global and national issues while promoting research-driven solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.