The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced their dissatisfaction over the lack of transparency in the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme. The scheme was launched by the federal government last year as part of efforts to address economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidies in the country.
In a statement signed by NANS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sen. Mimidoo Joy Gundu, the association expressed deep concern about the lack of transparency and information surrounding the grant programme. She stated, “The lack of transparency in the communication of this particular grant of about 200 billion naira raises questions as to whether there is a hidden agenda behind the disbursement.”
The statement also highlighted the absence of clear communication and accessibility to the grant programme, contrasting it with previous social security programs such as N-Power and Covid-19 palliatives, which were widely publicized and accessible to all Nigerians. She emphasised the need for clarity on the timeline of the grant scheme’s initiation, communication to Nigerians, and the criteria used to select beneficiaries.
It also raised concerns about the emergence of beneficiaries amid doubts about the information spread, suggesting the possibility of corrupt practices in the implementation of the programme. Gundu stressed the importance of the students’ involvement in the discussion and processes related to the selection and disbursement of funds, as taxpayers’ money contributes to government activities.
The NANS statement concluded with a call for transparency and inclusivity in all activities that impact the citizenry, emphasizing the need for government entities to uphold these principles.
