UK-Based Foundation Suspends Nigerian Scholarships Amid Fraud Concerns

The Wuraolami Foundation, a UK-based charitable organization, has announced the suspension of its scholarship program for Nigerian beneficiaries. This decision, revealed in a statement by the foundation’s Convener, Ms. Ifeoyinla Jacobs, stems from a significant level of fraud allegedly committed by some of the Nigerian recipients.

Ms. Jacobs explained that the foundation’s Nigerian beneficiaries had not received their scholarship funds, despite confirmations from both the state and the Nigerian branch of the foundation indicating that substantial payments had been made.

In response to the alleged fraud, the Wuraolami Foundation has taken legal action by filing a formal petition with the Nigeria Police Force. Jacobs emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing the issue through legal channels to avoid reputational damage from false accusations.

The foundation has called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served, highlighting the importance of legal and regulatory obligations in Lagos State. Jacobs underscored the potential defamation risk posed by false statements about the foundation, referencing relevant Nigerian laws, including the Criminal Code Act and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015.

Established in 2014 and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Wuraolami Foundation has provided free assistance to hundreds of vulnerable individuals, including the poor, elderly, disabled, orphans, widows, and students. Jacobs affirmed that all scholarship funds were properly disbursed to the educational or vocational institutions of legitimate scholarship recipients.