EFCC Raises Alarm Over University Corruption, Reveals Diversion of Students’ Fees
EFCC Raises Alarm Over University Corruption, Reveals Diversion of Students’ Fees
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised serious concerns over widespread corruption in Nigerian universities, including the diversion of students’ fees and other financial irregularities.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that investigations by the commission have uncovered multiple cases involving mismanagement of funds across tertiary institutions.
According to him, these infractions include diversion of students’ fees, inflated contracts, and the presence of ghost workers on university payrolls. He warned that such practices are eroding trust in Nigeria’s higher education system and undermining institutional integrity.
Olukoyede made the remarks at a conference of university governing authorities in Kano, where he emphasized that universities manage billions of naira from tuition, grants, and government allocations, yet accountability remains a major challenge.
He described corruption in the education sector as a betrayal of trust placed in institutions by students, parents, and taxpayers.
The EFCC boss called for urgent reforms, urging university administrators to adopt modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance transparency, strengthen governance systems, and detect fraud.
He noted that digital tools could improve auditing processes, payroll monitoring, procurement systems, and overall financial accountability, thereby reducing opportunities for misconduct.
While stressing the importance of technology, Olukoyede added that lasting change would depend on ethical leadership and integrity within the system.
He also advocated stronger collaboration between universities and anti-corruption agencies to boost intelligence sharing and capacity building in tackling financial crimes.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to addressing corruption in the education sector, warning that failure to act could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s development and the credibility of its institutions.
