A shocking scandal has rocked the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) after it was revealed that an Assistant Director, Irene Macfoy, embezzled £1.07m meant for scholarships for 170 Nigerian students studying abroad.
The students, who were part of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), were left stranded in countries such as the UK, India, the Philippines, and Romania after Macfoy’s fraudulent activities led to a reduction in their stipends and eventual abandonment.
The students had been promised a comprehensive scholarship package, including tuition fees, living expenses, and a 12-month internship on a merchant ship. However, Macfoy’s embezzlement led to a significant reduction in their stipends, leaving them struggling to survive.
In 2015, the students received a memo informing them of a $150 reduction in their monthly stipends, from $250 to $100. This was further reduced to $50 for students in the Philippines, which is equivalent to N10,000, less than the country’s minimum wage at the time.
Many students have been forced to take out loans or seek alternative funding to complete their studies, while others have been unable to graduate due to the lack of funding.
The scandal has sparked outrage, with many calling for accountability and transparency within NIMASA. The agency has yet to respond to the allegations, despite repeated attempts to contact them.
This incident demonstrates the need for greater oversight and accountability in government agencies, particularly those responsible for managing funds meant for educational purposes. The students affected by this scandal deserve justice and compensation for the distress and financial hardship caused by Macfoy’s actions.
