A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Impact and Inspire, Wuraolami Foundation, United Kingdom (UK), has suspended scholarships awarded to Nigerian beneficiaries until further notice
According to a statement issued by the Foundation’s convener, Ms Ifeoyinla Jacobs, the decision was taken due to an alarming level of fraud perpetrated by some Nigerian scholarship scheme beneficiaries.
She said a beneficiary in Nigeria, aligned with a National Human Rights Commission staff, to file a complaint with the UK Charity Commission alleging that the charity’s beneficiaries in Nigeria have not received their scholarship funds, despite confirmation from the state and the Nigerian branch of the charity that substantial payments have been made to the charity.
The NGO noted that Impact and Inspire have not received any financial support from the state or any Nigerian charity office. It added that, in line with the organisation’s policy, it has the right to withdraw the scholarship scheme granted if it is discovered that the beneficiary supplied false information to get the scholarship.
“As we move forward, the organisation explores legal means to address the situation by filing a formal petition to the Nigeria Police Force. This is in contrast to taking matters into our own hands, as the untrue statement about the organisation could permanently damage its reputation,” she said.
