Former minister Daouda Ngom questioned over the 250,000 CFA francs for UVS students

Former higher education minister Daouda Ngom told a parliamentary inquiry that he arranged an exceptional 250,000 CFA franc allowance for newly enrolled students at Cheikh Hamidou Kane University. He said he sought approval from the finance minister, whom he described as the only official authorized to approve the transfer of 4.766 billion CFA francs through the Directorate General of Scholarships for 19,064 students. Approved on May 22, 2026, the operation reportedly saved the state more than 1 billion CFA francs compared with a planned computer purchase costing 5.104 billion. Ngom said the payment helped students obtain computers before classes began and was accompanied by a guide detailing required specifications, warranty and after-sales service.