Several Nigerian Law School graduates from the 2024/2025 academic session have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what they describe as a fraudulent professional training scheme involving the Mediation Training Institute (MTI) and the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC).
In a petition dated September 17, co-signed by Goodluck Enebeli and Freedom Eje, the aggrieved graduates called for a probe into alleged financial impropriety, misrepresentation, and fraudulent inducement by both institutes.
The petitioners claim MTI and ICMC working with the International Law Association (ILA) offered a paid Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training course with the promise of three professional certifications: Associate of ICMC, Accredited Mediator of MTI and Member of ILA.
Each of the 905 students reportedly paid N130,000 for the course and an additional N30,000 for a physical induction ceremony initially scheduled for September 22, a day before the Call to Bar.
However, shortly before the event, the institutes allegedly informed students that they would now receive only two certificates, and that the induction would be conducted virtually, despite the payment for an in-person event.
“The institutions further promised us a physical induction with a variety of activities, including a robust dinner/meal, however they have now announced a virtual induction,” the petition stated.
The students accused the organisations of collecting money under false pretenses and called for a full refund with interest or the fulfilment of all earlier promises.
They also urged the EFCC to Investigate how the funds were collected and spent, Determine the total sum involved and Prosecute any individuals found culpable.
In an email to participants, Prof. Oluwafisayo Ayita, MTI’s Director of Training, Research and Development, blamed the failure of the induction on a fallout between MTI and ICMC.
He alleged that ICMC issued multiple disclaimers and tried to “blackmail” MTI after being dropped from MTI’s 2024 training programme.
According to Ayita, ICMC is still holding N35 million belonging to MTI—N20 million of which was allegedly used for a July 7 induction ceremony, leaving a N15 million balance he claimed could have covered induction costs for the 905 students.
He further alleged that ICMC demanded N150 million and later N45 million before it would agree to participate in the September event.
An ICMC official, speaking anonymously, dismissed the allegations, insisting that ICMC did not collect money from any student and had no direct financial dealings with the graduates.
“Let one student come out and say ICMC collected money from them,” the official said. “All payments were made to MTI.”
The ICMC spokesperson explained that MTI acted as its agent under a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which was later terminated after MTI allegedly violated the terms by including ILA in its offerings and refusing to disclose training figures.
He said ICMC inducted 1,982 students in July without receiving full payment, and accused MTI of failing to remit the N30,000 per student induction fee, necessary to cover venue, meals, and materials.
“Without the N30,000 induction fee, how do we induct?” the official asked.
He also denied that ICMC was holding onto any N15m or N35m, explaining that past payments by MTI had been made in instalments.
Although EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said he was unaware of the petition, a stamped acknowledgment copy obtained by PUNCH confirms that the document was received by the EFCC on Thursday.
The matter remains under preliminary review, pending investigation.
