NASS Members Demand Bribes During University Oversight Visits, Says IBBU Deputy VC

Members of the National Assembly are allegedly demanding bribes from universities during oversight visits, according to Prof. Hassan Ibrahim, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State. Prof. Ibrahim made this disclosure during the 3rd Annual Lecture of the Bursary Department of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, held under the theme, "The Role of Accountants in Enhancing Ethical Financial Practices in the University System."

Prof. Ibrahim lamented the negative impact of political interference on university administration, stating that it has complicated and corrupted the system. He accused some politicians of misusing their oversight functions for personal gain rather than upholding ethical standards.

"Some politicians are exploiting oversight functions for their selfish interests. Instead of doing the right thing, they demand kickbacks, which is unethical. When members of the National Assembly intend to visit universities like FUT Minna for oversight, the Bursary Department is often compelled to prepare at least N10 million for them from its limited resources," he said.

He further revealed that in some cases, these politicians do not even show up but instead ask the universities to come to Abuja with documents, further corrupting the system.

The deputy vice chancellor did not spare the accountants, blaming them for failing to uphold the fundamental ethics of their profession in managing university finances. He accused the Bursary Departments of lacking transparency and accountability, thus encouraging politicians to demand bribes.

"If we, as accountants, were doing the right thing, politicians would not have the leverage to demand kickbacks. The Bursary Department sometimes covers up irregularities, which is why the politicians feel emboldened to seek bribes," he added.

Prof. Ibrahim emphasized the need for accountants to adhere strictly to the five fundamental ethics of their profession to prevent such occurrences. He called on universities to adopt innovative financial management strategies, including diversifying revenue streams, improving financial reporting and transparency, and strengthening internal controls and audit functions.

The Vice Chancellor of FUT Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, represented by the Deputy VC Academics, Prof. Mohammed Abdullahi, highlighted the vital role of the bursary unit in interfacing with all departments of the university. He stressed the need for training and enlightenment of staff on current financial systems to ensure efficient service delivery.

Mrs. Hadiza Goje, the Bursar of FUT Minna and Chairperson of the Association of Bursars of Nigerian Universities, noted that the financial challenges facing Nigerian universities, including inflation and limited resources, significantly impact their operations. She emphasized that promoting ethical financial practices among accountants is crucial for the sustainability and survival of the institutions.

The event called for a collective effort in upholding ethical standards in financial management to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.