Right lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to arrest government officials allegedly behind the missing N71.2 billion Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
PUNCH Online reports that the ICPC, in a statement, said it had commenced a comprehensive investigation into alleged discrepancies surrounding the disbursement of student loans under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.
The anti-graft agency added that its preliminary findings revealed that while the Federal Government had reportedly released N100 billion for the scheme, only N28.8 billion was disbursed to students, leaving an unaccounted sum of N71.2 billion.
Reacting to the development on Thursday in Abuja, Adeyanju said he is deeply disappointed and alarmed by the revelation.
He said, ‘At a time when millions of Nigerian students struggle to afford quality education, the alleged mismanagement of such a critical fund is not only unacceptable but also a gross betrayal of public trust and the hopes of young people across the country.
‘I commend the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for swiftly launching an investigation into this matter. The steps taken so far are commendable and must continue until the truth is fully uncovered.
‘I urge the ICPC to leave no stone unturned in identifying all individuals or institutions involved in this shameful act.
‘Those found culpable must be prosecuted and made to face the full weight of the law. It is only through decisive action and justice that we can restore public confidence in the student loan scheme and ensure such a disgraceful breach never happens again’.
