OAU celebrates Adedeji, NRS Chief, for contributions to Nigeria’s tax, economic reforms

*The Faculty of Administration of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, hosts its ‘Distinguished Personality Lecture’ in honour of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, FCA, FCTI, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, describing him as one of the institution’s most accomplished alumni, having made ‘remarkable contributions’ to the West African country’s accounting, tax administration, and economic reforms sectors

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

For what the institution described as his “remarkable contributions” to Nigeria’s accounting, tax administration, and economic reforms sectors, the Faculty of Administration of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Wednesday, February 5, 2026, hosted its “Distinguished Personality Lecture” in honour of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, FCA, FCTI, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

ConsumerConnect reports the OAU Faculty of Administration said the event marked a significant milestone, as it honoured Dr. Adedeji as one of its most accomplished alumni.

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The Executive Chairman of the NRS and alumnus of OAU had earned both his Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) degrees from the foremost University, fondly called “Great Ife” by the students and friends of the University.

He has since made remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s accounting, tax administration, and economic reform sectors, stated the OAU Central Research Office in a message shared via its verified social media account.

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The University also said Adedeji’s distinguished career spans both private and public service at state and national levels, including his vibrant, courageous and values-based leadership role in the historic transformation of the former Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) into what is now known as the Nigeria Revenue Service.

The young shall grow…. Students of the University also appreciate Dr. Adedeji during the event.

It stated: “He (Adedeji) is also responsible for the refurbishment and development projects within his alma mater’s Faculty of Administration, earning him deep admiration from staff and students alike.”

On addressing Nigeria’s limited exports in a competitive global economy

Earlier, in his thought‑provoking lecture titled: “From Potential to Prosperity: Export‑Led Economy”, Dr. Adedeji had emphasised the urgent need for strategic thinking to address identified persistent economic challenges in the country.

 

The tax tsar also interrogated why a country as abundantly endowed as Nigeria yet continues to struggle economically.

According to him, despite the existence of promising sectors, including agriculture and technology, the Nigerian economy remains overly dependent on a narrow range of exports.

He further opined that such dependence on limited exports to other countries of the world leaves Nigeria vulnerable in an increasingly competitive global economy.

For the country to record marked progress in this regard, Dr. Adedeji contended that Nigeria must shift from prioritising the ‘quantity’ of exported goods to enhancing the ‘quality and complexity’ of locally developed products.

Highlighting the global shift towards knowledge‑driven economies, the Executive Chairman of NRS equally referenced economies, such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Africa, Brazil and Indonesia as relevant examples of successful economic diversification from which Nigeria can learn useful lessons.

The institution disclosed that the Faculty of Administration’s Distinguished Personality Lecture featured interactive sessions, during which Dr. Adedeji engaged students with practical exercises on economic strategy and problem‑solving methods.

Award of full scholarships to 20 outstanding students

In continuation of his acts of giving back to his alma mater, Dr. Adedeji at the event in Ile-Ife, again, pledged to award full scholarships for 20 students, who showed great enthusiasm for his lecture topic.

In attendance at the lecture were top University administrators, faculty members, and distinguished guests.

The Faculty of Administration’s event ended Wednesday with the presentation of multiple awards to Dr. Adedeji from departmental bodies, student associations, professional groups, and the University Management, in recognition of his service, philanthropy, and national impact.

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