The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has restated the commitment of the House to fiscal prudence, transparency and accountability
By Ikenna Osuoha
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has restated the commitment of the House to fiscal prudence, transparency and accountability for national development.
Abbas stated this while declaring open a public hearing on investigation of alleged unethical practices in disbursement of student loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in Abuja on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a joint committee of the House of Representatives, comprised of four standing committees, is investigating alleged unethical practices in the disbursement of student loans under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The committees involved are the Committees on Student Loans; Scholarships and Higher Education Financing; Banking and Other Ancillary Institutions; and Anti-Corruption and University Education.
Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Madaki, said “the public hearing is a constitutional imperative and the 10th Assembly stands for integrity, accountability and transparency.”
He described the public hearing as a reaffirmation of the 10th Assembly’s legislative oversight.
According to him, the report of alleged unethical practices cannot be allowed to undermine the good intents of President Bola Tinubu.
He said “we cannot fold our hands and allow this to be swept under the carpet.”
The speaker explained that the investigation was not aimed at witch-hunting anyone but tailored toward ensuring that every kobo spent by NELFUND is accounted for.’
Earlier, the Chairman of the joint committee, Rep. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, had expressed the determination of the committee to thoroughly investigate the alleged irregularities in disbursement of the students’ loans.
Ehindero said the committee would examine the degree of compliance and recommend actionable options, as well as ensure transparency.
Describing education as the cornerstone for national development, the committee chairman
highlighted the imperative of restoring public confidence in public institutions.
He recalled that the investigation was prompted by a motion under urgent national importance at plenary session, following reports of alleged irregularities in the loan disbursement.
The motion highlighted alleged irregularities including illegal deductions and exploitation of students by some tertiary institutions.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)