North Carolina A&T State University is facing a criminal inquiry by the State Bureau of Investigation after an audit found that more than $5 million in financial aid may have been distributed to ineligible recipients, including family members of university employees, The Carolina Journal reported.
According to AfroTech, State Auditor Dave Boliek, in his report, said the moves set the students up for favoritism. “The influence and actions by former senior officials, combined with the lack of internal controls at North Carolina A&T, led to several instances of preferential treatment that resulted in personal advantage and gain,” Boliek said.
“Public university dollars that could have benefited other students or programs were instead directed toward those who had the benefit of having a personal connection with senior officials.”
As the report went public, Chancellor James R. Martin II sent communications to students about what was reported and how the school is correcting the wrong, stating the Division of Business and Finance will no longer award financial aid and will “immediately discontinue” awarding scholarships to students who the audit revealed were wrongfully awarded.
“N.C. A&T identified this problem through our own internal audit process, and I personally contacted State Auditor Boliek because full transparency demands nothing less,” Martin continued. “I am grateful to Auditor Boliek and his team for the thoroughness and professionalism of their review. Our students deserve to know that every dollar they pay is managed with integrity, and the corrective actions we have taken reflect that commitment.”
RELATED CONTENT: North Carolina A&T Taps Queen Latifah As Graduation Keynote Speaker
Source: Black Enterprise
