The American International School Abuja (AISA) in Abuja has clarified its decision to refund part of the tuition fees paid by the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This decision, the school asserts, stems from its commitment to institutional integrity and respect for Nigeria’s national institutions.
Reports emerged indicating that AISA refunded $760,910.84 to the EFCC, part of $845,852 allegedly paid by Bello in 2021 to cover long-term school fees for his children.
According to a statement issued by the Head of the School, Greg Hughes, AISA has been cooperating with the EFCC in addressing the matter and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
Hughes acknowledged that the school accepted an advance payment for school fees, which was properly documented in their records.
Upon discovering that the fees were part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, the school promptly returned the funds as requested for investigative purposes.
“Recent media reports have highlighted issues between the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AISA and a family with children enrolled at the school, stemming from an investigation carried out in 2022,“ the statement read.
“As a school, we did accept an advance payment for school fees, and duly documented these fees in our records. Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request. Our compliance to remit these funds underscores our commitment to upholding institutional integrity and our respect for the national institutions of Nigeria.
“At no point has the school been accused of any wrongdoing in relation to this case, and we are cooperating fully with the EFCC to address matters currently before the courts.
“As these legal matters are being resolved within the Nigerian judicial system and involve one of our families, we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.
“As an institution, we remain committed to providing excellent service to our school community in line with our core values, vision and mission.”
