A recent report from the Visitation Panel investigating the University of Abuja has exposed shocking financial irregularities under the leadership of the former Pro-Chancellor, Alhaji Sani Maikudi, who is also the father of the current Vice Chancellor. The panel’s findings reveal bloated expenditures and other concerning issues at the institution, particularly during the period between 2016 and 2020.

The Visitation Panel, tasked with examining the university’s financial management, Internally Generated Revenues (IGR), and disciplinary practices, released a 342-page report that revealed massive spending on council expenses, including transport, subsistence, and sitting allowances. The panel, which was formed to review the university’s governance, academic standards, and financial operations, highlighted several alarming figures.

The report showed that a total of N611,706,461 was spent on council-related expenses. This included N147,201,763 for transport and subsistence allowances, N370,364,981 for sitting allowances, and N94,139,717 for other expenses. Notably, the panel flagged what it called a “seemingly over-bloated” expenditure, particularly for transport and subsistence allowances, which totaled N96,221,500 in 2017 alone. In addition, sitting allowances for the years 2016 to 2020 amounted to over N354 million.

Despite an IGR of N7.7 billion for the period, council expenses represented about 8% of this total, which the panel deemed excessive. Efforts to clarify some of these expenditures from the university’s bursary office were unsuccessful. The panel also discovered that N89.7 million was paid to Principal Officers as Non-Serial Allowances, which included payments for housing, furniture allowances, and official cars, all approved by the governing council.

The university’s financial situation seemed even more dire when the report pointed out that the institution declared deficits in its annual finances for the entire period, with the largest deficit of N2.7 billion occurring in 2016.

The panel, chaired by Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, with seven members, also scrutinized the university’s reliance on government funding. The university received a total of N49 billion in government allocation, comprising 87% of its revenue, while only 12% came from internal sources. This highlighted the university’s overdependence on external funding, which has raised concerns about its long-term financial sustainability.

In response to these findings, the panel has made several recommendations, including urging the President to demand an explanation from the university regarding the excessive council expenditures. They also recommended an investigation into the non-serial allowances paid to principal officers, questioning whether these payments were in line with government regulations. The panel called for refunds of any inappropriate payments and recommended that the university address tax liabilities and retire staff advances.

The investigation has shed light on major financial mismanagement at the University of Abuja, raising questions about accountability and transparency in its administration.

Credit: [Sahara Reporters]

In this article: