UNIZIK VC Summoned by House of Reps Over Shoddy Project Implementation

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has extended an invitation to the acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra, Carol Arinze-Umobi, to appear before them. The invitation, issued by committee chairman Abubakar Fulata on Wednesday, August 14, is a follow-up to the committee’s recent visit to the university.

Fulata emphasized that the invitation is not intended to be a witch-hunt, but rather a fact-finding mission to investigate discrepancies in project execution at the institution. During their visit, the committee discovered inconsistencies between the data presented by the VC and the actual progress on the ground.

Specifically, the committee is concerned about the university’s claim of generating N1.5 billion in 2023, yet spending N3 billion from the same internally generated revenue (IGR). This, Fulata noted, is a violation of the Constitution, as it involves spending funds without parliamentary approval.

Furthermore, the committee has identified several areas of concern, including the 100% payment for a project that is less than 40% complete. This, Fulata explained, contravenes the nation’s financial regulations.

The committee chairman warned that presenting false figures undermines the integrity of the university’s management and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the institution’s financial dealings.