THE Federal Government has constituted a seven-man high-powered Committee to audit the utilisation of grants for the take-off projects in the 12 new Federal Universities established between 2011–2013.
Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who announced the constitution of the audit committee headed by a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bamiro, to serve as Chairman, said the panel is expected to complete its assignment in twelve (12) weeks.
Adamu in a statement signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Hussaini Adamu, on Wednesday in Abuja said Barrister Kefas Magaji would serve as Secretary.
Other members of the Committee include Mr. S. L Abubakar, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, Arc. Umar Aliyu, Mr. Freddy Esenwa and Prof. Patrick Ehi Oshio.
The 12 New Universities are Federal University Lokoja, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Federal University Dutse, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, and Federal University Gusau.
Others are Federal University Kashere, Federal University Gashua, Federal University Birnin-Kebbi, Federal University Lafia, Federal University Otuoke, and Federal University Wukari.
The committee was mandated to determine the actual amount released to the National Universities Commission (NUC) by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as take-off grant for projects for the twelve universities.
Other terms of reference of the committee include, “To identify and confirm the number contracts awarded, including contract sums under the take-off grants; ascertain that due process was followed in the award of the contracts for the take-off projects; and determine the amount paid on each project, including outstanding claims if any, to date.”
The panel was also asked to assess the status of the various projects implemented using the take-off grants; and make recommendations for any other issues relating to projects implementation in the 12 Universities.
The statement indicated the Committee would be inaugurated by the Minister of Education on Tuesday, 2 May 201 at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Education Complex.
The statement directed the Vice-Chancellors of the twelve (12) universities to be in attendance at the inauguration while the Executive Secretaries of the National Universities Commission and Tertiary Education Trust Fund are expected to attend.