The House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions has summoned the management of the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, and the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, for allegedly failing to submit their 2024 and 2025 capital budget documents.
In a statement issued by the Clerk of the Committee, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq, the two provosts were directed to appear before the lawmakers on Thursday with all relevant financial documents to explain their expenditures and omissions within the stated budget years.
According to the notice, the meeting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Conference Room 028, New Building, House of Representatives, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Sadiq explained that the appearance and submission of the required documents were critical to determining both institutions’ budgetary provisions for the 2026 fiscal year, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in public financial management.
“I am directed to remind you that the committee has not received your submissions on the above subject matter and you did not appear before the committee on the day allotted to your agency,” the statement read.
The clerk warned that failure to comply with the committee’s directive could jeopardize the colleges’ 2026 budget consideration, stressing that their cooperation was essential to the legislative oversight process.
“You are by this letter reminded that your appearance and submission of these vital documents will go a long way to determine your budgetary provisions for 2026 appropriations. You are hereby requested to appear unfailingly before the committee with your Director of Procurement and Director of Finance,” Sadiq stated.
He further cautioned that “failure to honour this invitation could affect the colleges’ 2026 budget consideration,” urging full compliance with the oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly.
The House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, which oversees academic and research institutions under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has in recent times intensified efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient use of public funds allocated to tertiary agricultural institutions.
Legislative oversight visits and budgetary reviews have become a key part of the National Assembly’s broader push for financial discipline, following concerns over poor implementation of capital projects and lack of documentation among some federal institutions.
This development is expected to put renewed pressure on the management of both cooperative colleges to justify past allocations and demonstrate fiscal compliance, particularly as the 2026 appropriation cycle approaches.
Observers say the summons underscores the National Assembly’s growing insistence on proper financial documentation and adherence to due process across Nigeria’s education and research institutions, a step seen as vital to strengthening governance and accountability in the sector.
