Reps fault two VCs for missing visits

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has criticized the absence of two vice chancellors during their oversight visits to federal universities in the South-East region. Committee Chairman Abubakar Fulata expressed disappointment over the missing Prof Ugochukwu Anyaehie of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Prof Simon Ortuanya of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Fulata also highlighted the universities' failure to provide necessary documents detailing their recent administrative and financial activities. The absence of the vice chancellors and the lack of supporting documents hindered the committee's ability to obtain a comprehensive account of the institutions' operations. This oversight visit aimed to assess the performance and implementation of the 2025 and 2026 Appropriation Acts, emphasizing the importance of prudent and effective utilization of resources.

The committee's constitutional responsibility includes evaluating how funds appropriated to the institutions have been utilized before considering subsequent budget proposals. The oversight exercise seeks to provide lawmakers with firsthand information on the financial and operational performance of the universities, identify areas requiring government intervention, and ensure accountability for public expenditure.