Some members of staff of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, have called on anti corruption agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the myriad of allegations against the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University.
The staff who were represented by Mr Joseph Onu, Managing Consultant at Shield and Sword Consult, an Abuja based law firm said it was unfortunate that three weeks since they wrote to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), no investigation had commenced on the matter.
Recall that the staff in a petition to the EFCC called for the investigation of the Ag. VC for contract racketeering amounting to public violation, fraud and financial crimes using her position as the chairman of the University’s Tenders Board.
“Allegations of contract splitting and violations of the Public Procurement Act in the allocation of a TETFUND project worth N4 billion. This includes claims of awarding contracts to family members without transparency.
“Accusations that the Staff Biometric Capturing Exercise contract and other projects, such as the university gate house facelift, were awarded to family members of the Ag. VC, bypassing due process.
“Alleged that no fewer than 72 beneficiaries of the TETfund Institution-Based Research grant from COOU were fleeced between N190,000 and N600,000 by coercion as kickbacks into a private Moniepoint account.
“As well as ‘Genius Fund’ meant for assisting indigent students has been compromised.
“Admission into courses such as Faculty of Law, Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Sciences were allegedly sold for as much as N3 million to undeserving candidates.
“Solar system installation fraud where N20 million solar project was allegedly awarded to a family member of the Ag. VC,” they said.
They said the lack of an adequate response from the Ag. VC and the university administration, coupled with allegations of using the Student Union Government to counter criticisms, further complicates the situation.
They however, called for thorough investigation by relevant anti-corruption agencies, particularly the EFCC to verify the claims and hold accountable any individuals found culpable.
They also called on the Pro-Chancellor, University Council, and the state government to ensure transparency and integrity in the institution’s administration.
“Regular updates on the investigation should be made available to reassure the public and restore trust in the university’s leadership.
“Such allegations, if proven true, undermine the institution’s reputation and the principles of fairness and meritocracy that are essential for educational excellence.
“Immediate action is essential to preserve the integrity of COOU and ensure justice for all affected stakeholders.
