Reps panel tasks VCs on transparency, budget compliance

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has demanded that the leaders and management of federal universities prioritize transparency and accountability in their financial operations, ensuring strict adherence to the Appropriation Act. Chairman Abubakar Fulata made this call in a statement following an on-site inspection of universities and inter-university centers in the South-West region.

The committee's evaluation revealed significant hurdles faced by these institutions and cautioned that financial missteps, lack of openness, and non-compliance with budgetary requirements could exacerbate their predicament. Fulata pointed out inconsistencies in the submitted financial records of some universities, with discrepancies noted in reported internally generated revenue and expenditure.

He questioned the origins of a claimed N1bn when the university reported generating N9bn and spending N10bn, and highlighted instances where income of N12bn was reported, yet only N8bn was spent, leaving the whereabouts of the remaining N4bn unaccounted for. The chairman emphasized that government entities must account for the funds allocated to them and internally generated revenue, stressing that sound financial management is crucial for enhancing the quality of tertiary education.

He also recognized political pressures heading into the 2027 general election but maintained that these should not compromise their constitutional duties. The committee's investigation aimed to prevent any sector of the economy from being neglected due to the election cycle and urged university authorities to adhere to the federal character principle in hiring staff and admitting students to promote fairness and equitable representation.

The committee directed the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, to submit the institution’s budgets for 2024, 2025, and 2026 and appear before the committee in the coming week. Ogunsola, absent during the committee's visit, was not able to address an alleged N7.1bn surplus in the university's 2024 and 2025 financial records or provide additional information requested by the lawmakers.

Similarly, the management of other universities, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and Federal University Oye-Ekiti, were instructed to update their records and submit detailed reports on the execution of their budgets for the same fiscal years. The oversight mission included visits to other institutions like the University of Ibadan, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, and the Nigeria French Language Village, as part of the National Assembly's constitutional duty to inspect public expenditure, oversee budget implementation, and ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes.

The committee's actions aim to bolster accountability within the university sector and prevent further deterioration in the delivery of quality higher education.