Reps to probe delay in stipend payment to scholarship students
The House of Representatives has inaugurated an investigation into alleged breaches of terms of engagement and non-payment of scholarship stipends to Nigerian students, both domestically and abroad.
Declaring the hearing open on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, said the findings would guide future operations of the scholarship scheme.
The speaker was represented by David Agada.
Mr Abbas emphasised the 10th Assembly’s commitment to improving administrative efficiency in stipend payments, noting that delays could negatively affect students’ education, motivation, and overall welfare.
“Any delay in payment undermines education and diminishes students’ morale,” he said, highlighting the potential setbacks caused by bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Chairman of the House Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, said the allegations, if confirmed, represented systemic failures and betrayal of national trust.
Mr Ehindero described delayed payments as threats to the academic, psychological, and physical well-being of Nigerian students abroad, stressing that funding and guidance were critical for safeguarding their future.
Affirming the committee’s mandate, he said it would examine causes of the delays, assessed fund disbursements, and determined whether due process, fairness, and accountability were observed.
He stressed that the inquiry was a fact-finding mission, not a witch-hunt, warning that inefficiency, corruption, or mismanagement would not be tolerated, and the interests of students superseded bureaucratic excuses.
The committee called for full disclosure of relevant documents and truthful testimony, cautioning against deviations or false reporting during the investigation.
Contributing to the hearing, Federal Scholarship Board Director, Ndajiwo Asta, stated that students had been paid up to 2022, with the shortfall beginning in 2023.
The investigative hearing focuses on alleged abuse of process, breach of engagement terms, and non-payment of scholarship stipends to Nigerian students in the diaspora.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Independence: NOA advises Nigerians to pray for leaders, support national development
The director urged the citizens to remain hopeful and shun violence, fake news and acts capable of undermining national cohesion.
States
Independence: Adamawa ADC governorship candidate urges job creation, adequate security
Mr Suleiman said, “Government must be measured not by the volume of promises it makes, but by the lives it changes.”
States
Gov Zulum highlights post-insurgency recovery, Kwara speaker urges selflessness
Mr Zulum highlighted the state’s post-insurgency recovery, citing the return of about two million displaced persons and the reconstruction of more than 30,000 buildings.
Opinion
Azu Ishiekwene: Tinubu and his incredible ministers
At a business lunch in December 2022, he said he shouldn’t be voted for a second term if he didn’t fix the electricity supply problem and end estimated billing in his first term.
Opinion
An open letter to a distressed priest
Mr Soyinka said, “Public lies, like flies, beget maggots.”
Rights
NHRC urges FG to strengthen social protection mechanism
The National Human Rights Commission has called on the federal government to strengthen social protection mechanisms and expand universal access to basic essential services.
