The House of Representatives Committee on University Education recently visited the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and issued a warning against spending funds without National Assembly appropriation. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, emphasized that the lawmakers are committed to their oversight responsibilities to ensure transparency and accountability within the system.
Fulata acknowledged that while universities, like some government organizations, can generate internal revenue and receive grants from donor agencies, spending these funds without adherence to appropriation laws is a violation. He clarified that a budget is an estimate of revenue and expenditure within a specific period, which includes government allocations, internally generated revenue, and grants. Any budget proposal from Federal Government universities must receive approval from the National Assembly, and bypassing this process is both illegal and unconstitutional.
He also stressed the importance of proper fund utilization in universities to ensure sustainable growth and development in the country. Addressing the purpose of the oversight visits to universities, Fulata clarified that these visits are not for witch-hunting but are routine exercises in line with constitutional provisions. He assured that a report on their observations would be compiled and actions would be taken accordingly.
The House Committee on University Education, under Fulata’s leadership, had also recently visited the University of Abuja and the University of Ilorin in Kwara State. During the NOUN visit, Vice-Chancellor Professor Olufemi Peters expressed gratitude to the committee, promising to provide the necessary information and documents requested. He noted that the lawmakers’ visit had highlighted areas for improvement in NOUN’s services.