The Federal Government has transferred more than 1,440 assets recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the education sector as part of efforts to convert proceeds of corruption into investments that improve learning and student welfare.
The assets, comprising 501 double-decker bed frames, 939 mattresses and 12 wooden beds with mattresses, were formally handed over to the Federal Ministry of Education during a restitution ceremony in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the initiative demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensuring that assets recovered on behalf of Nigerians are redirected to projects that positively impact citizens, particularly students.
Alausa described education as one of the key beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s asset recovery programme, noting that the latest batch of recovered items would significantly improve accommodation and welfare in colleges and other educational institutions across the country.
The minister also commended EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for strengthening public confidence in the anti-graft agency through professionalism, adherence to the rule of law and sustained efforts in combating corruption, procurement fraud and cybercrime.
He assured Nigerians that the recovered assets would be distributed transparently and equitably to unity schools nationwide to improve students’ welfare, enhance learning infrastructure and support the government’s goal of providing accessible, inclusive and quality education.
Earlier, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that the assets were recovered during Operation Eagle Flush, one of the Commission’s largest operations against cybercrime.
According to him, the operation, carried out towards the end of 2024, resulted in the arrest of about 792 suspects, including foreign nationals, who were investigated, prosecuted, convicted and repatriated after serving their prison terms.
Olukoyede said the transfer of the recovered assets was in line with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that recovered assets are transparently deployed for national development.
Source: The Guardian
Leave a comment