The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to launch an immediate investigation into the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). The demand stems from the prolonged and unresolved delay in paying allowances to students under the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
Years of Unpaid Dues and Student Hardship
In a strongly-worded statement released on 30 December 2025, the student body expressed profound concern over the situation. The statement was signed by its Assistant Secretary General, Adejuwon Olatunji Emmanuel. NANS revealed that for several years, thousands of students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria who completed the mandatory SIWES program have not received their statutory stipends.
Despite numerous complaints, formal petitions, and dialogues led by student unions and other concerned groups, the issue persists. This failure, according to NANS, has inflicted undue financial strain on affected students and eroded trust in a program designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
A Leadership Accused of Silence and Poor Communication
NANS directed specific criticism at the leadership of the ITF, currently headed by Director-General Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun. The association noted with dismay that under this administration, there has been a notable absence of clear, transparent, or comprehensive communication to students regarding the status of the outstanding payments.
The continued silence, coupled with poor communication and a glaring lack of accountability, raises serious questions about the administrative efficiency and institutional responsibility within the ITF, the statement asserted. This opacity, they argue, fuels speculation and undermines the scheme's credibility.
Allegations of Mismanagement and the Call for Action
While NANS clarified that it does not intend to pre-judge any potential investigation, it described as deeply troubling the widespread allegations circulating among the student populace. These allegations suggest possible mismanagement or even diversion of the funds earmarked for SIWES allowances.
The core of NANS's demand is a swift and transparent probe by the Federal Government into the operations of the ITF concerning the SIWES allowance disbursements. The students seek answers, accountability, and, most urgently, the payment of all outstanding allowances to alleviate the hardship faced by thousands of Nigerian students.
