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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
A staff of the Benjamin Uwajumogu College of Education, Ihitte Uboma in Imo State has declared false claims by the College of Education and Staff Union (COEASU) that the acting Provost, Maryrose Nwachukwu, expended N1. 5 billion of the school funds executing projects without due process.
The staff, Nwanya Franklin, Dean of school science, Onyemachi Esther, Dean of school of arts and social science, and Okoroji Isidore, Dean of student affairs among others in a joint statement signed and released to newsmen said they were disappointed at the allegations and maintained that Nwachukwu had always followed due process in all her engagements in the school.
The statement reads in part: “On mismanagement of TETFund Projects
The claim that the Acting Provost single-handedly awarded contracts worth over N1.5 billion without following due process is not only false but also malicious.
“The college strictly adheres to the Public Procurement Act of 2007, and all projects are executed under the supervision of relevant committees, including members of the academic staff and a Tender Board. The insinuation of financial impropriety is baseless and defamatory.”
The statement reacting on the non-payment of Imprest and Accreditation Costs reads, ” The Acting Provost in one of the College Academic Board meeting pleaded with members that since the College has a huge bill of debt to offset arising from the NCCE accreditation and TRCN/PDE accreditation, the management will use part of the monthly imprest allocation to the College to pay off the debt after which she will commence the imprest disbursement to principal officers and all College functionaries.
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“Her plea was well accepted by the Board of which Mr. Wilson was a member and present in the meeting. Interestingly, she has kept to her promise. One would wonder why such an allegation should be championed against the Provost who meant well for the College. Dr. (Mrs.) Nwachukwu has prioritized transparency, frequently engaging with relevant authorities to ensure funding is released promptly.
“Accusations that directors, deans, and HODs use personal funds without reimbursement are exaggerated and do not reflect ongoing internal processes aimed at resolving outstanding claims.
On Termination of the Acting Bursar’s Appointment, it explained: “The removal of the acting bursar was done in line with the directives of the supervising ministry, and based on documented misconduct, including threats against college leadership.
“The Acting Provost acted within her powers as directed, and it is misleading to suggest otherwise. The college, as a public institution, is subject to State oversight, and appointments are not purely autonomous”.
COEASU earlier urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to look into the allegations before it considers the down tool.
