By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
The Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) has announced the winners of the second edition of the Secondary Schools Debate Competition, held as part of the 2026 Taxpayers Month celebration. Government Secondary School (GSS) Kufang and St. Augustine College emerged winners in the government and non-government schools categories, respectively.
The debate competition, held on Monday at the PSIRS Headquarters in Jos, featured four schools drawn from public and private institutions across the state. Participating schools included Government Secondary School Anglo-Jos, Government Secondary School Kufang, Airforce Military School, and St. Augustine College.
Students engaged in intellectually stimulating debates on key issues related to taxation and national development, including the equity of universal participation and tax evasion vs corruption.
Announcing the results, the Desk Officer for Debate and Quiz at the Plateau State Ministry of Education, Job Chundusu, commended the students for their impressive performances and encouraged debate coaches to pay closer attention to debate rules.
The Chairman of the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Jim Pam Wayas, presented cash prizes of ₦1 million each to the winning schools, while the runners-up, Airforce Military School and Government Secondary School Anglo-Jos, received ₦500,000 each.
Wayas said the debate competition was designed to deepen students’ understanding of taxation and public finance beyond classroom theory, providing students with an opportunity to interact with professionals in the taxation field and exchange ideas that could inspire future careers.
Secretary to the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service, Mrs. Rehila Olu-Sailas, explained that the debate forms part of activities marking the annual Taxpayers Month, introduced to appreciate taxpayers for their contribution to internally generated revenue in the state.
Participating students expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying the experience was both exciting and inspiring. Mercy Ejembi of GSS Kufang said, “I feel really happy for what just happened. I want to thank God, my parents, my teachers, and the organizers of this wonderful event.”
Ndam Jacob of St. Augustine College said the debate broadened his academic interests and inspired him to consider a career path related to economics.
The annual debate competition will continue to serve as a platform for promoting tax education, critical thinking, and civic responsibility among secondary school students across Plateau State.
