National Association of Polytechnics Students (NAPS) has called on the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the N200 billion intervention fund granted Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN) to boost local cement production.
Addressing the media in Kaduna on Saturday, the polytechnics students lamented that the N200 billion intervention fund has not been put to good use, hence why Nigeria still import cement, noting that the fund was aimed at developing the cement production technology, train youth and students on cement technology and thereby boost the local production of cement.
They said the improper use of the fund has deprived the Nigerian youth and Nigerian students the opportunity of acquiring the skills and learning the technology.
NAPS National President, Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi Munirudeen, told the media that, “we are disappointed with zero impact of Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria despite the N200 billion intervention fund. We call on Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) to commence probe of CTIN’s 200 billion intervention fund between now and seven days, otherwise we shall be leading a massive protest to EFCC headquarter Abuja to press home our demand.
“In our independent investigation as to the causes of unprecedented hike in all commodities including building materials such as cement, we discovered a whopping sum of N200 billion intervention fund meant for cement technology development has been pocketed by some individuals. It’s unpatriotic to divert intervention fund meant to develop cement technology. As technology inclined students, we are highly disappointed in the leadership of Cement Technology Institution of Nigeria for this carelessly and a perceived act of fraud and criminal diversion of commonwealth.
“We strongly believe if the fund is well utilised, we should be the beneficiaries as technical students from polytechnics in Nigeria. It’s on this note we are calling on Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to as a matter of urgency commence probe of Cement Technology Institution of Nigeria. The Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has undoubted demonstrated commitment to transform education, improve wellbeing of Nigerian students, staffs and infrastructure in education sector to made life easier for all citizens.
“Our findings have revealed the inimical act of some corporate bodies, like Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria, under the leadership of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as cement importation levies is primarily meant for technical training and development of opportunities for young Nigerians in cement industry according to the CTIN establishment goal. Today, we are rising in protest to demand accountability and justice against saboteurs.
“We, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), in consonance with our apex body, NANS being the voice and spirit of Nigeria’s youth, the bearers of our nation’s future, are raising our voices in protest. We are voicing total disappointment likewise expressing our deep concern and outrage regarding the mismanagement and lack of accountability within the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN).
