House of Rep launches forensic probe into financial malpractices at South-South universities

The House of Representatives has resolved to conduct a forensic investigation into the financial activities of universities in the South-South region of Nigeria.

The announcement was made by Abubakar Fulata, chairman of the House committee on university education, during a statement in Abuja on Wednesday. This resolution follows an oversight visit by lawmakers to assess the performance of these institutions.

Targeted for scrutiny are several key universities, including the University of Calabar in Cross River State, the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Effurun, Delta State, and the Federal University Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, among others.

Fulata explained that the decision for a forensic examination stems from “the inconsistencies observed in their submissions during the committee’s oversight visit.”

He highlighted that discrepancies and irreconcilable data found in the documents presented to the committee necessitated this thorough investigation.

Additional universities that will undergo further inquiry include the Federal University Otueke in Bayelsa State and the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Warri South, Delta State. The committee also emphasized the importance of guiding newly established universities to avoid repeating the mistakes of their older counterparts.

This warning was specifically directed at institutions like the Federal University of Medical and Health Science Kwale in Delta State and the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom State, which have shown non-compliance with federal character principles and have been spending internally generated revenue without proper appropriation.

Fulata noted that the committee has conducted visits to over 30 federal universities across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in recent weeks. He affirmed, “there is no going back on our decision and determination to make a difference in spite of the obvious challenges.”

He elaborated on the logistical hurdles faced during these oversight missions, citing issues such as the “cost of transportation (travelling by air, land, and water)” and the difficulties associated with long journeys on roads and waterways.

This comprehensive oversight visit has provided the committee with first-hand information about the challenges facing these universities, enabling them to devise better strategies for addressing these pressing issues.