By Gabriel Dike
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) on Tuesday expressed concern about recent reports alleging unethical practices by some institutions in the administration of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a scheme meant for students in tertiary institutions in the country.
The union in a statement signed by the National President of CONUA, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, called for an independent probe of the alleged mismanagement of the student loans by some heads of tertiary institutions.
The two-page statement is titled: “CONUA Decries Allegations of Mismanagement in Student Loan Disbursements: Calls for Transparency and Accountability”.
Sunmonu said based on reports that funds were disbursed to institutions for the benefit of students, some management teams allegedly deny receipt of such funds and continue to compel students to make other payments.
His words: “Even more troubling are allegations that these funds are being held in interest-yielding accounts for the private gains of a few, rather than being used for the intended educational relief.
“Equally disturbing is the revelation by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), through its Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMO), that some institutions may be colluding with banks to exploit students who are beneficiaries of the loan scheme.
“This kind of conduct is not only fraudulent but also erodes trust in our educational system.”
Sunmonu said the union, which has been at the forefront of supporting the student loan initiative from its conceptualization through to its final execution, views these alleged unethical practices as a deliberate attempt to subvert a noble scheme designed to promote access to higher education and ease the financial burden on struggling students and their families.
He described as disheartening that while the Federal Government is attempting to improve equity and access in education, some institution managers are reportedly undermining these efforts for their personal gains.
“CONUA holds the strong view that these allegations must not be swept under the carpet. We find it disappointing that the government has yet to publicly name and shame the institutions and individuals involved.
“In a country where impunity continues to undermine national development, exposure of wrongdoing serves as both a deterrent to potential offenders and a necessary punishment for those already complicit.
“More disheartening, however, is the fact that such acts are being perpetrated within the walls of our higher institutions. These are spaces that should represent integrity, character-building, and national service.
“The notion that academic administrators, those charged with shaping the minds and morals of future leaders, are allegedly involved in financial misconduct is an indictment of the state of ethics in our institutions,” he noted.
The union recommended some measures, which includes an immediate independent investigation, adding, “the Federal Government should launch a transparent and independent probe into these allegations, involving anti-corruption agencies and relevant regulatory bodies.”
It also insist government must publish its findings and institutions found culpable should be publicly named, and individuals involved made to face administrative and legal consequences.
The union further called for the establishment of oversight mechanisms, involving neutral parties, including academic unions like CONUA, to track the disbursement and utilization of student loans, student awareness and protection as well as ethical reorientation.
He added: “CONUA remains committed to promoting integrity, equity, and justice in the university system. We stand with students and the Nigerian public in demanding for accountability.
“It is only through principled actions that we can reclaim the credibility of our educational institutions and ensure the success of any intervention, including the student loan scheme.”