Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu yesterday inaugurated ad hoc committees to investigate petitions on 10 tertiary institutions.
Inaugurating the 10 ad hoc committees in Abuja, Adamu said the move was in response to allegations of abuse of due process, mismanagement, immorality, fraud and corruption, among others.
The institutions are Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Kastina State; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State; University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State.
Others are University of Abuja, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Calabar; Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State; Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State and Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State.
The minister said panels were set up in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting due process, fairness, accountability and transparency in the control and management of public resources.
Adamu said allegations and counter-claims made against governing councils and managements of the institutions had created mistrust and hostility and hindered the smooth conduct of academic activities.
The terms of reference of the panels are “to carefully study and investigate allegations in the petitions on the institutions or individuals.
“To seek to determine the veracity of claims and counter-claims by considering the circumstances and talking to as many witnesses as possible.
“To meet and interview the writers of the petitions and establish the basis of their claims.
“To ensure fair hearing by meeting with, and listening to explanations from all those against whom petitions have been written.”
Adamu told the committees that the exercise was not meant to judge or witch-hunt anybody, adding that members were selected based on their track records of integrity.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, urged members to be courageous in carrying out their findings and making their recommendations.
Responding on behalf of the chairmen and members of the ad hoc committees, Malam Salihu Abubukar thanked the ministry for the confidence reposed in them.
He said their assignments was a heavy responsibility, which must be carried out with a sense of duty.
