An investigation has uncovered a bribery scheme involving Nigerian lawmakers allegedly demanding N8 million each from 60 federal universities to approve their 2025 Budget allocations.

According to the published investigative report, the extortion, coordinated by the Senate and House committees on tertiary education, involves threats of probes against non-compliant vice-chancellors.
It said several University Heads have expressed frustration over the lawmakers’ aggressive tactics and escalating demands. This comes amidst chronic underfunding of Nigerian universities, with institutions struggling to maintain operations due to insufficient government support.
The report revealed that lawmakers reportedly use proxies and multiple accounts to obscure the money trail, complicating accountability efforts. Despite past investigations and exposure, including one involving a Bureau-de-Change (BDC) operator, little action has been taken against the perpetrators.
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, Mu’azu Gusau, has been singled out for resisting these demands, drawing further threats from lawmakers.
Amid these allegations, the ICPC has dismissed claims of compromise, promising to investigate further.
Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to exploit their oversight roles, leaving universities grappling with both financial and political pressures.