An investigation by PREMIUM TIMES has uncovered a bribery scheme involving lawmakers in Nigeria’s National Assembly, who are allegedly demanding N8 million from federal university vice-chancellors to approve their 2025 budgets.
The extortion scheme reportedly involves members of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund, as well as the House Committee on University Education. Vice-chancellors are being coerced into paying N4 million each to the Senate and House committees, with the scheme expected to generate N480 million.
One vice-chancellor, speaking anonymously, revealed that lawmakers threatened probes or budget non-approval for non-compliance. “They cajoled, threatened, and even humiliated some of us,” the source disclosed.
The extortion was allegedly initiated during a January meeting chaired by Hassan Fulata (APC, Jigawa), where lawmakers explicitly outlined their demands. Vice-chancellors reportedly raised concerns about potential investigations by anti-graft agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Responding to allegations of compromise, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare denied any involvement, calling the claims baseless. However, concerns persist about the lawmakers’ use of complex financial channels to evade detection.
This development follows similar bribery allegations reported in 2023, where lawmakers were accused of extorting tertiary institutions through a Bureau De Change operator. Despite an ICPC probe into that case, outcomes remain unclear.
Many vice-chancellors have expressed frustration over the escalating demands, with some reluctant to comply. The situation highlights ongoing corruption challenges in Nigeria’s budget approval processes.
