Reps panel tasks VCs on transparency, budget compliance

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The House of Reps Committee on University Education has tasked VCs on transparency and budget compliance after finding financial irregularities in universi Read More:…

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has urged vice-chancellors and management teams of federal universities to uphold transparency and accountability in their financial dealings and ensure strict compliance with the Appropriation Act.

The Chairman of the committee, Abubakar Fulata, gave the directive in a statement released on Saturday following an oversight visit to universities and inter-university centres across the South-West geopolitical zone.

Fulata said the on-the-spot assessment by the committee had exposed the enormous challenges confronting the institutions, warning that financial irregularities, lack of transparency and non-compliance with budgetary provisions could worsen their situation.

Citing alleged infractions and inconsistencies in financial records submitted by some universities, the lawmaker expressed concern over discrepancies in their reported internally generated revenue and expenditure.

He said, “In some cases, the documents submitted contradict each other. You claimed to have generated N9bn and spent N10bn. Where did you get the N1bn from?

“In another instance, you will see N12bn generated as income and only N8bn spent, without any information regarding the whereabouts of the balance of N4bn.”

The committee chairman stressed that public institutions must account for funds allocated to them and revenue generated internally, noting that proper financial management was essential to improving the quality of university education.

He also acknowledged the political demands on members of the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general election but said such considerations should not undermine their constitutional responsibilities.

Fulata said the oversight exercise was necessary to ensure that no sector of the economy suffered neglect because of the election year.

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