Governor of Gombe state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has advised heads of higher institutions in his state to cooperate with the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by TETFUND, who are on a fact-finding visit to the state.
Yahaya was addressing the delegation, led by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Gombe, the state capital.
Represented by the Secretary to the Gombe state Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, the governor urged the heads of schools to be open to the committee as well as share their challenges, so they can find help, where necessary.
According to Yahaya, “there is no need to worry. Answer the questions as frank as possible, no hiding. They are human beings, they will understand. Fortunately, most of you came much later after these monies were disbursed and the projects allocated to the institutions, so tell them what you know.”
“Also, tell them where you have your challenges and constraints, so they can go back, articulate them and help you.”
On his part, the leader of the delegation and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep Unyime Idem, thanked the Gombe state governor for the warm reception accorded his committee and promised that his team will be thorough in its assignment in the state.
“Idem said “we’re being empowered by Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to carry out oversight over government institutions and also corporate and private institutions where government monies have been disbursed to.”
“The House of Representatives on the 14th July, 2023, set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira, being TETFUND money disbursed to institutions across the country.”
“Gombe state benefitted to the tune of 35 billion naira within the period under review.”
“The only way we can say boldly that your state has done well is when we interact with the heads of institutions in their various schools, look at their books, and then see if the projects and programmes on ground are equal to the amount disbursed to them.”
“Thereafter, we’ll come up with a report that will either vindicate them or make them culprits of this allegation.”
“We promise that the House, through this committee will be thorough and transparent in the discharge of our national assignment. We’ll also share the report with you as the Chief Executive of the state, so you know how institutions in your state are performing.”
Institutions visited in the state include Gombe State University, Federal University Kashere, Federal Polytechnic Kaltugo, Federal College Technical, College of Education, Biliri and Gombe State College and Technical, Nafada.