Activist Calls for the Arrest of Officials Involved in N71.2bn Student Loan Fraud
From Our Correspondent
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to arrest government officials allegedly responsible for the misappropriation of N71.2 billion from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.
The ICPC recently announced that it has begun a thorough investigation into the discrepancies related to the disbursement of student loans under this fund.
Preliminary findings by the agency revealed that while the Federal Government reportedly allocated a substantial amount of money for the program, only N28.8 billion was disbursed to students, leaving an unaccounted total of N71.2 billion.
In response to the situation on Thursday in Abuja, Adeyanju expressed his deep disappointment and alarm over the revelation. He stated, “At a time when millions of Nigerian students struggle to afford quality education, the alleged mismanagement of such a critical fund is unacceptable. It represents a gross betrayal of public trust and the hopes of young people across the country.”
He commended the ICPC for its prompt initiation of the investigation, asserting that the steps taken so far are commendable and must continue until the truth is fully revealed.
“I urge the ICPC to leave no stone unturned in identifying all individuals or institutions involved in this disgraceful act. Those found culpable must be prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Only through decisive action and justice can we restore public confidence in the student loan scheme and ensure that such a shocking breach never occurs again.”
