Education Minister Maruf Alausa says recovered EFCC assets will strengthen student welfare and learning infrastructure across educational institutions_
The Federal Government has taken another step to strengthen learning infrastructure across the country as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) handed over hundreds of recovered assets to the Federal Ministry of Education for deployment in educational institutions.
The assets, comprising **501 double-decker bed frames, 939 mattresses and 12 wooden beds with mattresses**, were formally transferred during a restitution ceremony held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the handover as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to investing recovered public assets in projects that directly improve the lives of Nigerians.
According to the Minister, the President considers education the foundation for building the nation's future and achieving his vision of a one trillion dollar economy. He said channeling recovered proceeds of crime into the education sector reflects a deliberate policy of ensuring that assets recovered on behalf of Nigerians are returned to serve the public good.
Alausa noted that the education sector has emerged as one of the major beneficiaries of the Federal Government's asset recovery programme. He recalled that President Tinubu earlier approved the conversion of a forfeited university facility into the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, instead of allowing it to be sold.
He disclosed that the university has already admitted more than 3,000 students into programmes covering applied sciences, engineering, nursing, health sciences and other critical fields, creating new educational opportunities for young Nigerians.
The Minister said the latest donation would significantly improve accommodation and welfare for students in colleges and other educational institutions across the country.
He also commended EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede for strengthening public confidence in the Commission through professionalism, respect for the rule of law and sustained efforts against corruption, procurement fraud and cybercrime.
Earlier, Olukoyede said the recovered assets were seized during **Operation Eagle Flush**, one of the largest cybercrime operations conducted by the Commission.
He explained that the operation, carried out towards the end of 2024, resulted in the arrest of about 792 suspects, including foreign nationals, who were investigated, prosecuted, convicted and later repatriated after serving their jail terms.
According to the EFCC Chairman, the transfer was carried out in line with the Proceeds of Crime Act and the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring that recovered assets are transparently utilised for national development.
Olukoyede observed that children and young people are among the greatest victims of corruption and financial crimes, making it appropriate that they should also benefit from assets recovered from criminal activities.
He also highlighted previous interventions by the Commission in the education sector, including the transfer of the forfeited university facility now operating as the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the deployment of recovered proceeds of crime to support the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
According to him, about 1.4 million students have already benefited from the education loan programme through tuition support and monthly upkeep allowances, reducing the financial pressures that often expose young people to cybercrime and other financial offences.
Olukoyede assured Nigerians that the Commission would continue to recover proceeds of crime and ensure that such assets are transparently deployed for projects that deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the Deed of Release, officially transferring ownership of the recovered assets from the EFCC to the Federal Ministry of Education. The document was signed by representatives of both institutions, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan.
The recovered assets are expected to be distributed to educational institutions across the country to improve student accommodation and strengthen learning infrastructure as part of the Federal Government's ongoing investment in education.
Adedeji Tolulope
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