NANS Seeks Probe, Suspension Of Reps Committee Chair Over Alleged Extortion

The National Association of Nigerian Students has called for the immediate suspension of the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies, Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, over allegations of extortion, abuse of office and misconduct.

The student body said the demand followed reports and complaints concerning the committee’s oversight activities involving examination bodies under its supervision.

In a statement signed yesterday by its National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS said it was worried that a planned performance audit of the agencies was allegedly being used as a tool to intimidate officials.

The association claimed that some examination bodies were allegedly pressured to part with a percentage of their Internally Generated Revenue, drawn largely from fees paid by students for examinations.

NANS acknowledged the constitutional oversight powers of the National Assembly under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), but warned that such powers must not be exercised for personal or financial gain.

It stressed that any oversight process perceived to be driven by coercion or inducement would undermine public confidence in the legislature and weaken institutional independence.

According to the statement, reports circulating in the media alleged that the committee chairman persistently demanded large sums of money from examination bodies, influenced audit processes through consultants, and used the committee’s name to collect funds without transparency.

The association also cited allegations of poor accountability for public funds released for committee activities, noting that such claims, if proven, would amount to serious ethical breaches.

NANS said students were particularly alarmed because the funds allegedly targeted were derived from examination fees, at a time many families were grappling with economic hardship.

“The diversion or attempted diversion of resources meant for examinations is an attack on Nigerian students and the education system,” the statement read.

The association warned that failure to address the allegations could set a dangerous precedent for legislative oversight and erode trust in public institutions.

NANS therefore demanded the immediate suspension of Oforji pending an independent investigation, as well as a full probe by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges and relevant anti-corruption agencies.

It also called for protection of examination bodies from intimidation while investigations are ongoing and urged full public accountability, including restitution where misappropriation is established.

NANS cautioned that it would mobilise lawful and democratic actions, including nationwide advocacy and protests, if the House of Representatives failed to act decisively.

“Oversight must not become extortion,” the association said.