The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has lodged a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the purported misappropriation of over N20 billion in intervention funds designated for the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN). President of NAPS, Comrade Muniru Opeyemi, submitted the petition to the EFCC and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment on behalf of the polytechnic students.
In their petition, the students implored EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Doris Uzoka-Anite to promptly initiate an investigation into the alleged diversion of the intervention fund, originally intended for student training and CTIN development. They further urged the Federal Government to dissolve the Institute’s board without delay.
According to the NAPS President, the primary demand of the polytechnic students is transparency and accountability, coupled with the pursuit of justice.
The petition addressed to the EFCC Chairman and entitled: “Petition on allegation of Diversion of 20BN Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria CTIN Intervention Fund,” reads in part: “Our local Intelligence following our independent investigation as to the causes of unprecedented hike in Cement price, reveals the poor management and diversion of a whopping sum of 20BN intervention fund meant for cement technology development by some individuals heading the CTIN.
“It’s unpatriotic to divert intervention funds meant for the development of cement technology. As technologically inclined students, we are highly disappointed in the leadership of the Cement Technology Institution of Nigeria for this carelessness and a perceived act of fraud and criminal diversion of the commonwealth.
“We strongly believe if the fund is utilised, we should be the beneficiaries as technical students from the Polytechnic sector in Nigeria. It’s on this note we are calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to as a matter of urgency commence a probe of the Cement Technology Institution of Nigeria.
“The incumbent Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has undoubtedly demonstrated commitment to transform education, improve the wellbeing of Nigeria students, staff and infrastructure in the education sector so as to make life easier for all citizens.
“Our findings have revealed the inimical act of some corporate bodies, the like of Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria CTIN, certainly owing Nigerian technological students and by extension Nigeria Nigerian Youth a whopping sum of 20BN, a cement importation levies primarily meant for technical training and development of opportunities for young Nigerians in cement industry according to the CTIN establishment goal.
“Today, we are rising in protest to demand accountability and justice for saboteurs. We, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), in consonance with other concerned Nigerians being the voice and spirit of Nigeria’s youth, the bearers of our nation’s future, are raising our voices in protest.
“We are voicing our total disappointment and likewise express our deep concern and outrage regarding the mismanagement and lack of accountability within the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN).”
