The NAPS Deputy Coordinator, South-West Zone, Comrade Oloyede Hassan Ayinde, said the investigation must start from the highest levels of leadership including the Minister for Education, down to the governing councils and principal officers of the institutions, adding that there must be thorough scrutiny and accountability mechanisms.
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on anti-corruption agencies in the country to investigate the allegations of financial fraud and corruption in tertiary institutions.
The NAPS Deputy Coordinator, South-West Zone, Comrade Oloyede Hassan Ayinde, said the investigation must start from the highest levels of leadership including the Minister for Education, down to the governing councils and principal officers of the institutions, adding that there must be thorough scrutiny and accountability mechanisms.
The student leader in a statement issued on Thursday, titled: "Transparency and Accountability: Urgent Call for Reform in Tertiary Institutions," cited the case in the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro where despite glaring issues plaguing the institution, two top officials reportedly procured Toyota RAV4 2023 model worth N37 million each.
According to him, the institution recently lost a student and a lecturer on account of a lack basic of medical facilities in the clinic which resulted in a wrong diagnosis.
"The latest revelation of the Registrar and Bursar each acquiring vehicles RAV4 2023 model worth 37 million naira raises serious questions about their priorities and highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in our tertiary institutions," he said.
He said that at a time when students are grappling with inadequate facilities, including a lack of conducive study environments, limited transportation during exam periods, and inadequate medical equipment in the school clinic, the decision to spend exorbitant amounts on luxury vehicles is not only unjustifiable but also deeply concerning.
The statement partly read: "The dire situation extends beyond the campus gates, with students facing challenges such as irregular power supply, limited access to electricity in hostels, and inadequate infrastructure in surrounding communities. This has resulted in students resorting to charging their devices at external locations, posing risks to their safety and hindering their academic pursuits.
"What exacerbates the situation is the apparent suppression of student voices. Reports of threats of suspension and rustication for speaking out against these injustices further highlight the need for institutional reform and protection of students' rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
"It is imperative that the relevant authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), launch investigations into these allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption within our tertiary institutions.
"Starting from the highest levels of leadership, including the Minister for Education, down to the governing councils and principal officers of these institutions, there must be thorough scrutiny and accountability mechanisms put in place to ensure that public funds are used judiciously and for the benefit of students and the academic community.
"Furthermore, there is a pressing need for increased oversight and checks and balances within our educational institutions to prevent such flagrant abuses of power and resources from recurring. Student welfare must be prioritized, and resources should be allocated towards improving facilities, enhancing academic support services, and fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal development.
"Additionally, the management of the clinic at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro has been clamoring for equipment to cater to over 22,000 students. The absence of necessary medical equipment has led to deceptive genotype results, causing marital discord and, tragically, contributing to the loss of student and lecturer lives. This dire situation further emphasizes the urgent need for reform and investment in essential services within our educational institutions."
"The revelations at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro underscore the urgent need for reform in our tertiary institutions. Transparency, accountability, and student welfare must be at the forefront of decision-making processes, and those responsible for financial mismanagement and negligence must be held accountable. It is time to restore trust and integrity in our educational system for the betterment of all stakeholders involved," it added.