The House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing has commenced a full investigative hearing into alleged mismanagement and breaches in the administration of government scholarships for Nigerian students studying overseas.
The session, held at Conference Room 028 of the National Assembly, followed a surge of complaints bordering on delayed stipends, violation of agreements and failures attributed to the Federal Scholarship Board.
A statement presented at the hearing was signed on November 26, 2025.
Committee Chairman Hon Ifeoluwa Ehindero, in his opening remarks, described the probe as a crucial national assignment aimed at safeguarding students and restoring public confidence.
“Today’s investigative hearing is not merely another parliamentary ritual. It is a solemn exercise of our constitutional duty to protect Nigerian students, uphold transparency, and ensure that public institutions perform their mandates with integrity.”
He recalled that the investigation stemmed from a motion adopted by the House on October 8, 2025, following growing concerns from scholarship beneficiaries across several countries.
Ehindero said the Committee was probing five principal areas of alleged misconduct, including abuses of administrative processes, breach of government agreements with sponsored students, prolonged delays in overseas stipends, lack of transparency in fund management and poor welfare communication.
He warned that if verified, the allegations amounted to “a profound betrayal of national trust” capable of endangering the academic and emotional stability of affected scholars.
The Committee listed multiple complaints received from Nigerian students abroad, including reports of unpaid stipends, threats of eviction, visa complications, risk of school withdrawal and months-long delays even when budgetary allocations had been approved.
Scholars have also lamented an expanding communication gap between them and the Scholarship Board.
“These situations raise urgent questions about due process and accountability,” the Chairman said.
Addressing Nigerian students around the world, Ehindero delivered a message of reassurance.
He said, “To our dear Nigerian students across continents many of whom have written, petitioned and protested we hear you. We feel your pain. We understand the hardship you have endured. Today’s hearing is dedicated to you. Your country owes you justice, and this Committee intends to deliver it.”
He stressed that the inquiry was neither vindictive nor political but strictly a fact finding mission to uncover the truth and ensure fairness.
The Committee also demanded full cooperation from the Federal Scholarship Board and the Federal Ministry of Education, insisting that all documents and financial records must be presented without reservation.
“Scholarship funds are public funds appropriated by the National Assembly for a clear and noble purpose. Any deviation from that purpose is unacceptable,” he stated.
In his closing remarks, Ehindero reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to accountability and reform.
“The future of our nation rests heavily on the shoulders of the students we send out to learn, innovate, and return with knowledge to build Nigeria. This Committee will ensure that every fact is uncovered, every responsibility assigned, and every necessary corrective action recommended. Nigeria must never again be a country that abandons its scholars.”
He urged all stakeholders to participate with honesty and dedication to the national interest.
The Committee is expected to review documents already submitted, interrogate relevant officials, identify culpability where established and recommend reforms to strengthen the scholarship administration framework.
A comprehensive report will be submitted to the House at the end of the probe.
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