Fearing that he might be suspended from office when the Governing Council meets on Wednesday this week, the Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu (ASCETA),Prof Vincent Onwe has hurriedly disbursed N500m to two contractors without following due process.
The money was paid to Ugolanson Nigeria Ltd and St Gabriel Okey Limited from money released by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for both 2024 zonal and normal interventions.
However, the Governing Council was not informed, and no bond was deposited by the contractors as demanded by the extant rules in the award of contracts.
In a petition to the Governing Council, some concerned staff of the College, disclosed that no interim or valuation certificates were obtained from the contractors and there was also no advance payment guarantee from a reputable bank provided by them in line with TETFUND and government’s guidelines.
They also lamented that instead of 15 per cent mobilisation , the Provost paid the contractors 100 percent of the tranche that was released by Tetfund.
The staff noted that the Provost might have hurriedly paid out the large sum for fear of his being suspended by the council as a result of myriad of petitions against him bordering on abuse of office and incompetence.
They also feared that the Provost might have been compromised by the contractors to the extent that the contracts may be abandoned because no voucher was even raised for the payments.
They also wondered why the Provost was in a hurry to circumvent procedures to release the N500m while the Library contract awarded for 2023 interventions has not been paid for.
” Sir, the 2023 normal intervention for Library has not been paid. The job for landscaping and college gate and fencing had been abandoned by this same Provost. We have our fear that this contract for administration building which Fund had been released to the contractors will also go the same way”, they cried out.
They appealed to Gov Alex Otti to take a deeper interest in what is happening in ASCETA so as to arrest the rot.
They noted that since his appointment, the Provost finds it difficult to subject himself to the authority of the Governing Council which is a representative of the governor.
According to them, due to the pecuniary interest of the Provost, both academic and administrative activities in the College have collapsed.
It could be recalled that Prof Vincent Onwe and the governing council were recently summoned to Government House ,Umuahia after series of petitions.
Although a source revealed that the outcome of the meeting was a decision to suspend the Provost, a high ranking government official was said to have blocked it.
However, the Provost wrote to the Governing Council, expressing remorse over his previous conduct.
In a reply the Council acknowledged his move but asked him to submit certain documents to clear gray areas and other subjects of conflict.
It was in an apparent reaction to the letter which was to be discussed next Wednesday that panicked the Provost to embark upon the payment spree.
Below is the letter of the council to the Provost.
ABIA STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), AROCHUKWU
(ASCETA)
P.M.B. 1000, Arochukwu, Abia State Nigeria
SIR PROFESSOR MBA OGBUREKE OKORONKWO, OON TEL.:08035925974
PhD, MSc, BMLS FAIPHP, FFWAPCMLS, FIMLS, FMLSCN, FAMLSN, AIMLS, MJICA E-mail: okoronkwomo@gmail.com
Our reference:
Your Reference:
Date: November 25, 2024Prof. Vincent Eze Onweh
Provost, ASCETA
P.M.B. 1000, Arochukwu, Abia State, Nigeria
Dear Prof. Onweh,
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND RESPONSE TO YOUR LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 23, 2024
Warm greetings.
The Governing Council acknowledges receipt of your letter titled “Strengthening Collaboration for the Advancement of ASCETA,” dated November 23, 2024. Your expressed willingness to foster a harmonious working relationship and your outlined updates on TETFUND projects are duly noted.
After careful consideration, the Council wishes to highlight the following observations and directives regarding your submission:
- Insufficient Explanation on Contract Awards
Your letter does not address the core concern of awarding contracts without prior approval or recourse to the Council. This omission is significant, given that such actions violate established governance procedures.
• Council Directive:
We expect a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding these awards during the scheduled Governing Council meeting from December 4–6, 2024. Any further updates on project activities must strictly adhere to governance protocols. - Verification of TETFUND Projects
While the project details you shared provide a starting point, the Council will thoroughly review each item during the December meeting. Particular attention will be given to:
• Percentage completion of each project.
• Mode of payment and disbursement records.
• Verification of amounts paid.
• Quality of work done, materials supplied, and their storage.
• Location of the projects within the college.
• Availability and functionality of the supplied materials and equipment.
• Council Directive:
Ensure all relevant records and supporting documents, including inspection reports and photographic evidence, are ready for presentation to the Council during the December meeting.
- Contractor Profiles and Financial Obligations
Your letter provides limited information on the contractors engaged. The Council requires further clarity to ensure due process was followed and accountability upheld.
• Council Directive:
Submit a comprehensive report detailing:
o Profiles of all contractors, their business locations, and evidence of prior similar projects successfully executed.
o A summary of the procurement process, including individuals involved in the award process.
o The college’s financial status regarding payments made to contractors and any outstanding debts. - Commitment to Transparency and Governance
The Council views your recent correspondence as a potential shift toward transparency. However, the Council remains vigilant about ensuring full compliance with governance standards.
• Council Directive:
Your explicit commitment to attending and fully cooperating during the December 4–6, 2024, Council meeting is a precondition for advancing deliberations. Furthermore, all engagements with the Council must prioritize institutional integrity and adhere to ethical standards.
Conclusion
The Council acknowledges your letter as a constructive step but emphasizes that significant concerns remain unresolved. Your cooperation and adherence to these directives will demonstrate a genuine commitment to strengthening collaboration and accountability.
Kindly confirm your readiness to comply with the aforementioned requirements and your commitment to the upcoming Council meeting.
Yours sincerely,
Sir Professor Mba O. Okoronkwo, OON
Chairman, Governing Council
Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu