The Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Speaks Out on NELFUND Controversy: No Fraud Uncovered
Minister of Education Addresses Claims of NELFUND Financial Misconduct
Let's get straight to the point. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, set the record straight about the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) controversy, addressing allegations of fraud head-on.
After a meet-up with Vice Chancellors, National Universities Commission officials, and other key players, Alausa dispelled rumors of fraud, instead attributing the issues to timeline discrepancies. He emphasized that no fraud had been detected, but rather, confusion in the scheme's timeline [1][3].
These comments follow an investigation launched by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) regarding inconsistencies in NELFUND student loan disbursements. Initial findings revealed that while the Federal Government designated ₦100 billion for the scheme, only ₦28.8 billion was distributed to students [3]. As a result, a substantial ₦71.2 billion remains unaccounted for.
In response to these discrepancies, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced planned protests. Additionally, concerns were raised by the National Orientation Agency about some institutions collaborating with banks to delay loan disbursements to eligible students [2]. Media reports also suggested unauthorized deductions from loans by certain universities, amounting to fees ranging from ₦3,500 to ₦30,000 [2].
In light of these allegations, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed the establishment of a Special Task Force to thoroughly investigate the matter [2].
However, the ICPC later rectified their initial findings, stating that there was an editorial error in their press release. No definitive conclusions concerning wrongdoing have been reached [1][3]. The investigation continues, with a focus on receiving institutions and beneficiaries [1][5].
The controversy has led to public protests and criticism towards the government and university officials regarding the missing funds [4].
In the meantime, further your curiosity with these related stories:
- FG Installs Solar Energy Across 24 Federal Tertiary Institutions In Nigeria
- NAPS Issues 5-Day Ultimatum To NELFUND To Publish Loan Disbursement Breakdown, Threaten Nationwide Protests
- FG Sets Up Committee To Reform NYSC, NCE Holders To Serve
- ICPC's Report on Missing ₦70 Billion Student Loan Not True - Alausa
- ICPC Petitioned to Probe ₦6 Billion Police Uniform Contract
- UTME Mass Failure Is A Reflection Of Exams Being Done Properly - Minister
- Despite the NELFUND controversy, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has focused on other initiatives, such as the rollout of solar energy in 24 federal tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
- Amidst the ongoing investigation into NELFUND's financial mismanagement, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) issued a 5-day ultimatum to the fund to publish a detailed breakdown of loan disbursements, threatening nationwide protests if their demands are not met.
- As the NELFUND controversy continues, the Federal Government has also set up a committee to reform the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with plans for NCE holders to serve as well. Meanwhile, the ICPC is also investigating a ₦6 billion police uniform contract, raising concerns in the realm of general news and politics.
