FG inundated with allegations of poor governance of agencies ― Minister

THE Federal Government has raised concerns that it has been inundated with allegations of disregard to due process and poor governance of some its parastatals and agencies.

The revelation came as the Federal Government inaugurated its five-member nominees, who will serve on the Governing Council of the West African Examinations Council.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, who expressed the government’s worries while inaugurating the nominees said efforts were being made to ensure good governance structure in the agencies.

The WAEC council nominees comprise the Director of Basic Education Department in the Ministry, Mr Jonathan Mbaaka, who is statutorily the Chief Government Nominee, Mrs Mulikat Ayoni Bello and Professor Solomon Olorundare of the University of Ilorin.

Other members are Professor Faruk Kalgo of Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto and Professor Victor Kogah of Imo State University, Owerri.

A statement by Agidike Onu for the Director Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, on Wednesday said: “Speaking at the ceremony in his Office, the Minister stated that government was inundated with allegations of poor governance of Agencies and Parastatal as well as total disregard for due process; hence it decided “to conduct a meticulous search for men of proven integrity to drive the affairs of the Council.”

The statement quoted the Minister as saying that one of the key areas that have been addressed in the strategic plan of the Ministry was to ensure that the Agencies have good governance structure and quality members in the Governing councils.

Anwukah assured that the reform in the education sector was in full force, urging the nominees to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the course of discharging their functions.

Head of National Office of WAEC, Mr Olu Adenipekun expressed confidence in the quality of nominations made by the government and assured of his resolve to work with them.

Mr Jonathan Mbaaka in his remarks said the nomination is for as long as their services are required, even as he assured that the nominees would not betray the confidence reposed in them.