The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership has called on Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, to investigate universities alleged fraudulent deductions from student loans.
Recall that NELFUND had in a statement disclosed that some university authorities, in a bid to undermine the students loan scheme do not acknowledge or notify students whose loan applications had been approved and disbursed.
In a statement on Tuesday, CACOL condemned the action of the universities. The group called on authorities concerned to immediately move against those behind the alleged illegal diversion of the student loans “We are deeply disturbed by these reports and call for an immediate probe into the matter.
“The student loan scheme was created to empower young Nigerians, not to be exploited by institutions for unjust enrichment. This is a betrayal of trust and a disservice to the future of our nation.
“The Federal Ministry of Education, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) must urgently investigate these allegations and hold accountable any institution found culpable.”
It urged the universities to be transparent and accountable and that the institutions “involved must publicly clarify the nature of these deductions and refund affected students without delay”.
The group called on the government to “implement stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent further exploitation of student loan beneficiaries by Universities and their officials”.
“We stand in solidarity with affected students and urge swift action to rectify this injustice,” CACOL said.
