House of Reps Deny Bribery Allegations in 2025 Budget for Universities 

The House of Representatives has dismissed allegations that some lawmakers are demanding bribes from Vice-Chancellors to approve their 2025 budget allocations.

In a statement, House Spokesman Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. described the claims by PREMIUM TIMES as baseless and misleading, saying they were aimed at discrediting the National Assembly. He reaffirmed that the budget process is transparent and constitutionally guided, with all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) required to defend their allocations in open sessions.

Rotimi expressed concern that some Vice-Chancellors failed to appear for their budget defense, undermining accountability. He also pointed out that some universities have pending audit queries and unresolved governance issues, including allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of office, and sexual harassment.

The House also accused PREMIUM TIMES of unprofessional journalism, stating that the newspaper failed to seek the House’s response before publishing the story. Rotimi challenged anyone with evidence of bribery to present it to anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC or the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

He reassured the public that the House remains committed to transparency and good governance, adding that only institutions that comply with due process will have their budgets approved.