The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has refuted allegations that lawmakers demanded ₦480 million in bribes to approve the budget allocations for federal universities in 2025.
Abubakar Hassan Fulata, the committee’s chairman, dismissed the accusations, emphasizing that the budget defense sessions were transparent and open to both the public and media, with no private meetings held.
An online news report had claimed that lawmakers were pressuring university leaders to pay ₦8 million each for approval of their budgets.
The report also suggested that both senators and House members, especially those on committees responsible for higher education, were involved in the alleged scheme.
Fulata strongly rejected the allegations, reaffirming that legislators have been focused on supporting the universities.
He pointed to their success in advocating for the removal of tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), a move seen as beneficial for academic institutions.
Fulata also mentioned that the committee had conducted oversight visits to several federal universities, except for Federal University Gusau, where the vice-chancellor reportedly denied access and failed to provide necessary financial records.
A key issue raised by lawmakers was the escalating electricity costs for universities.
In response to their concerns, President Bola Tinubu approved a 50% electricity subsidy for tertiary institutions and hospitals.
Fulata concluded by noting that the budget defense for the National Universities Commission and university vice-chancellors took place publicly on January 15, 2025, following the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.