NEDC DISOWNS VIRAL MSC FUNDING SCHEME, WARNS APPLICANTS AGAINST FRAUD

The North East Development Commission has disowned a message circulating online about an alleged education support fund for Master’s degree students, describing the information as false and unauthorised.

In a statement issued on Friday, the commission said it was not currently accepting applications for any MSc Education Support Fund, contrary to claims contained in the circulating message. The false announcement reportedly included eligibility requirements and directed prospective applicants to submit documents at an NEDC office in Polo, Maiduguri.

NEDC urged members of the public to completely disregard the purported programme and exercise caution when dealing with anyone claiming to be acting on behalf of the commission. It specifically warned prospective applicants not to hand over personal documents in response to the message.

Among the documents the commission listed were National Identification Number slips, admission letters, identity cards and certificates of indigene. NEDC cautioned that submitting such documents to unauthorised individuals or locations could expose members of the public to fraudulent activities and potential misuse of their personal information.

The commission further warned against attempts to exploit its name and identity for fraudulent purposes. It stressed that the alleged MSc funding scheme was not an authorised NEDC initiative and that members of the public should not treat the information as an official announcement.

NEDC advised individuals interested in its educational interventions, programmes and other opportunities to verify information before taking any action. According to the commission, only announcements released through its official communication channels and other verified platforms should be relied upon when seeking information about its activities.

The warning comes amid recurring cases of fraudulent schemes in Nigeria that use the names and identities of government agencies to attract unsuspecting applicants. Such schemes often promise access to scholarships, employment, financial assistance or other benefits while requesting personal documents or other information from members of the public.

The commission therefore urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid acting on unverified messages, particularly those requesting sensitive documentation in connection with purported government programmes.

NEDC reaffirmed the importance of relying on its verified communication channels for accurate information about its interventions and opportunities. The commission's clarification is intended to prevent prospective applicants from being misled by the circulating MSc funding announcement.

Members of the public who encounter similar claims are expected to verify them through official NEDC channels before submitting documents or engaging with individuals presenting themselves as representatives of the commission.