Nigerian Students Demand Accountability from CTIN Leadership Over Alleged Mismanagement of Funds
In a bold move to hold accountable those responsible for the alleged mismanagement of funds within the Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding urgent action.
Under the leadership of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the CTIN, established to provide training and development opportunities for Nigerian youth in the cement industry, has come under scrutiny for its handling of strategic funds. The letter, signed by the President of NANS, highlights concerns over the misused, diverted, and misappropriated funds, which were intended to empower young Nigerians and bolster the nation’s cement sector.
“We demand answers, we demand accountability, we demand explanation, and we demand justice,” reads the letter addressed to President Tinubu. The students’ association calls for transparency regarding the over 20 billion Naira (approximately $100 million) contributed as levies on imported cement to CTIN over the past decade. They assert that the funds, instead of being utilized for their intended purpose, have been squandered, leaving Nigerian youth without essential technical skills and contributing to the rise in cement prices nationwide.
The letter urges President Tinubu to direct the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to make public the status and usage of the CTIN funds. Additionally, it calls for an independent forensic audit of the funds, with swift action to hold those found guilty accountable for their actions. “We will not rest until every penny of the funds is accounted for,” states the letter.
The association also demands clarity from Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the self-imposed life chairman of CTIN, regarding his involvement in the alleged mismanagement of funds. “The Nigerian youth will no longer remain silent as our potential is suppressed and our futures are jeopardized,” the letter asserts.
In a bid to avert further escalation of the matter, the students’ association calls for the restructuring of CTIN’s leadership and governance to prevent future instances of mismanagement. They advocate for democratic processes to replace the current system, which allows for the overstay of individuals in leadership positions.
The letter concludes with a seven-day ultimatum for a public response from Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CTIN members, and relevant government ministries. The National Association of Nigerian Students vows to use all available platforms and legal means to seek justice and ensure accountability in the management of public funds.
The demand for transparency and accountability within CTIN comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria, as the nation seeks to harness the potential of its youth and drive economic growth through strategic investments in key sectors such as cement production.
