By Adeola Badru
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed deep concern over the continued failure of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to resolve the long-standing issue of unpaid and delayed Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) allowances affecting students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Assistant Secretary General of the association, Adejuwon Olatunji Emmanuel, NANS stated that for several years, thousands of students who have duly participated in the SIWES programme have reportedly not received their statutory allowances.
According to the association, despite repeated complaints, petitions and engagements by students’ unions and other stakeholders, the problem has remained largely unresolved, subjecting students to undue hardship and undermining confidence in a programme designed to support skills acquisition and workforce development.
NANS noted with concern that under the leadership of the Director-General of the ITF, Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, there has been no clear, transparent or comprehensive explanation provided to Nigerian students regarding the status of the outstanding payments.
It said the continued silence, poor communication and lack of accountability surrounding SIWES disbursements raise serious questions about administrative efficiency and institutional responsibility within the ITF.
While NANS stressed that it was not pre-empting the outcome of any investigation, it described as deeply troubling the widespread allegations of mismanagement and diversion of funds circulating among affected students.
The association said such allegations demanded urgent clarification, emphasising that the Federal Government owed Nigerian students a duty of transparency, particularly in matters involving public funds earmarked for education and youth development.
NANS called on President Bola Tinubu, to urgently intervene by ordering a comprehensive audit and investigation into the management of SIWES funds over the years.
It added that, pending the outcome of such an investigation, the leadership of the ITF should be reviewed in the interest of institutional integrity and public confidence.
“Where necessary, the Director-General should either step aside or be relieved of his duties to allow for an unhindered probe.”
The association stressed that Nigerian students should not continue to suffer as a result of administrative failures, noting that SIWES is a statutory entitlement and not a privilege, warning that any system that consistently denies students this right has failed in its mandate.
NANS reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, accountability and constructive engagement, but warned that it would not hesitate to escalate the matter through all lawful means until justice is served and all affected students are paid in full.
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