A recent report by the Visitation Panel on the University of Abuja has unveiled excessive expenditures and irregularities within the institution during the tenure of the former Pro-Chancellor, Alhaji Sani Maikudi, who is also the father of the current Vice-Chancellor.
The panel, set up to review the university’s activities, including its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), financial expenditures, and disciplinary matters involving staff and students, provided alarming findings. Among its mandates were assessing governance, academic standards, quality assurance, and financial management practices.
The 342-page report, covering 2016 to 2020, revealed that the university spent a staggering N611,706,461 on council-related expenses. This included transport and subsistence allowances totaling N147,201,763, sitting allowances amounting to N370,364,981, and other miscellaneous expenses of N109,959,862.
Composition of the Visitation Panel
The panel, chaired by Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji and supported by Secretary Arc. Samuel S. Ikani, consisted of seven members, including Prof. Ahmed Ali Yakasai, Col. Danladi Nyelong Adamu, Dr. Ibiang Oden Ewa, Barr. Hauwa Abubakar, and Engr. Abubakar Abdullahi Matazu. It was inaugurated on April 13, 2021, by former Education Minister Mallam Adamu Adamu, on behalf of then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
The panel’s 10 Terms of Reference included examining the university’s adherence to recommendations from previous reports, leadership quality, financial practices, staff development, and general security. The assignment was expected to be completed within 60 days of inauguration.
Financial Mismanagement Uncovered
During the period under review, the university received N49,077,332,021.94 in funds, with 87% from government allocations and special funds, 12% from IGR, and less than 1% from investments. This heavy reliance on government funding underscored financial instability, with deficits recorded each year. The highest deficit, N2.7 billion, occurred in 2016.
The panel criticized the university’s council expenditures, which represented about 8% of its IGR for the period. Notable issues included a seemingly inflated transport and subsistence allowance of N96,221,500 in 2017 and N354,544,836 in sitting allowances between 2016 and 2020. Additionally, N89.7 million was paid to principal officers as Non-Serial Allowances with council approval.
Questionable Spending Patterns
The report highlighted that “other expenses” covered council committee meetings, maintenance of guest houses, refreshments, printing, accommodation for council members, and foreign training for officials. Efforts to obtain clarification from the bursary department regarding the N370,364,981 sitting allowance and N96,221,500 transport allowance proved futile.
Furthermore, the panel noted inconsistencies in reported student registration fees. While a projected income of N4.8 billion was estimated based on enrolment and approved fees, the university declared only N1.6 billion, raising concerns about financial accountability.
Recommendations to the Visitor
The panel urged the Visitor (President) to demand explanations for the inflated council expenditures and direct the National Income Salaries and Wages Commission to assess the appropriateness of Non-Serial Allowances. Any unjustified payments should be refunded. Additionally, the university was advised to ensure timely retirement of staff advances and settlement of tax liabilities.
Lastly, the Visitor was called upon to investigate the discrepancy between projected and reported registration fees and address lapses in financial reporting.
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