Oluwaseun Adefusi, a 400-level student from the Department of Management and Accounting, Obafemi Awolowo University who is also the Director of Research 2 at The Tax Club, OAU, has emerged victorious at the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) Annual National Tax Quiz Competition held during the CITN Annual Tax Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. Adefusi scored a flawless 50 points, securing the first prize for Obafemi Awolowo University.
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The competition, which featured participants from various tertiary institutions across Nigeria, was divided into knockout stages until the final six individuals. In addition to Obafemi Awolowo University, the other finalists were the University of Ilorin, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Redeemer’s University, Ahmadu Bello University, and the University of Lagos.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, the professional body for tax practitioners in Nigeria, organises this annual national conference and quiz competition. The event serves as a platform to showcase the talents and knowledge of students in the field of taxation.
In the grand finale, OAU’s Oluwaseun Adefusi secured the first position with a remarkable score of 50 points.The University of Ilorin came in second with 45 points, while Federal University Oye-Ekiti claimed the third spot with 40 points. Redeemer’s University finished fourth with 15 points, and Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Lagos shared the fifth position with 10 points each.
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In an exclusive interview with ACJOAU correspondent, Oluwaseun Adefusi, the representatives of Obafemi Awolowo University shared his experience on how the competition went and his feelings after winning the competition.
Can you give me an overview of how the competition went?
The competition was in three stages, the first two stages were CBT based, so all students that registered from across different schools were expected to take the first stage of the CBT, after which the top 50 students would proceed to the second stage of the CBT, then the final stage was done physically and this was in Abuja during the 26th Annual Tax Conference, so top 6 students that qualified from the second stage of the CBT had the final stage at this conference (this was on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024). It was done through elimination rounds until the top three were selected, from which I emerged the winner after correctly answering 10 out of 10 questions to the Glory of God.
How difficult it was for you to cling that 1st position?
In terms of difficulty, that word is quite relative. But it carried its own degree of difficulty. According to the chairman of student Affairs; Dr Obakemi, she mentioned that over 250 students participated in the first stage. Even before I knew this fact, when I scored 76.7% after the first stage of the CBT, I was not sure I was going to make it to top 50 students, because it seemed quite low to me considering the manner of the competition. But when I was emailed that I made top 50 I was encouraged, and this fueled better preparations on my part.
Was it your knowledge of accounting that helped you in this great accomplishment or what you knew through Tax Club, OAU ?
I would say a combination of both. Plus, it is not only in place of knowledge I’ve gathered but also the sets of beautiful minds I’m privileged to be among in my Tax Club. In Tax Club, OAU, you’re encouraged to dream big dreams, you have people you look forward to and have such amazing community that encourages you to do well.
What was your preparation like?
I have taken taxation as a course being an accounting student, I am also a member of the Tax Club, OAU, and in addition, we were given 8 major areas/topics which we were expected to focus on for the quiz. So my preparations were majorly focused on these areas. From reading on the topics we were given, to reading the changes in the tax laws due to the changes effected by the Finance Act 2019 – 2023 and some other introductions or clarifications from circulars issued by relevant tax authorities. And praying for direction in between all these. This was how my preparations went.
How did you feel winning the competition?
Winning the competition, it was a thing of joy really!
I’ve been on that stage two annual tax quiz ago, and I knew what failing was like already, so winning top place, I’m like “God! You did it!, like I won?”, and then you know this song they always play when someone wins (stand up, stand up for the champion, stand up), the moment it was played for me, I could feel a tear drop, it was an amazing feeling that I made mama proud.
What word do you have for potential winners in Tax Club OAU as you are in your finals?
For words to those coming after, I would say that first, do not ever think or say that you’re not good enough to try or win, so like they say, never say never.
Secondly, I would say whatever you find your hands doing, do it excellently well, like it will be your last opportunity to give it a shot.
Lastly but most importantly, God hears even your most silent of all whispers, pray!