UNN, UniAbuja, YabaTech, others under probe

Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu
yesterday inaugurated ad hoc committees to
investigate petitions on 10 tertiary institutions.
Inaugurating the 10 ad hoc committees in
Abuja, Adamu said the move was in response to
allegations of abuse of due process,
mismanagement, immorality, fraud and
corruption, among others.
The institutions are Federal University, Dutsin-
Ma, Kastina State; Michael Okpara University of
Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State; University of
Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and Federal University,
Kashere, Gombe State.
Others are University of Abuja, University of
Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Calabar; Federal
Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State; Federal
Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State and Yaba
College of Technology, Lagos State.
The minister said panels were set up in line with
the Federal Government’s commitment to
promoting due process, fairness, accountability
and transparency in the control and
management of public resources.

Adamu said allegations and counter-claims
made against governing councils and
managements of the institutions had created
mistrust and hostility and hindered the smooth
conduct of academic activities.
The terms of reference of the panels are “to
carefully study and investigate allegations in
the petitions on the institutions or individuals.
“To seek to determine the veracity of claims
and counter-claims by considering the
circumstances and talking to as many witnesses
as possible.
“To meet and interview the writers of the
petitions and establish the basis of their claims.
“To ensure fair hearing by meeting with, and
listening to explanations from all those against
whom petitions have been written.”
Adamu told the committees that the exercise
was not meant to judge or witch-hunt anybody,
adding that members were selected based on
their track records of integrity.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of
Education, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, urged
members to be courageous in carrying out their
findings and making their recommendations.
Responding on behalf of the chairmen and
members of the ad hoc committees, Malam
Salihu Abubukar thanked the ministry for the
confidence reposed in them.
He said their assignments was a heavy
responsibility, which must be carried out with a
sense of duty.