A group of staff at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Kate Omenugha, of contract fraud and abuse of office.
The petition, signed by Joseph Onu of Shield and Sword Consult on behalf of the staff, alleges that the vice-chancellor awarded contracts without following due process.
The workers claim to have evidence of financial mismanagement, particularly in the handling of the 2024 TETFund project, where contracts were allegedly split and awarded without public bidding, violating procurement laws.
They also allege that biometric staff registration was given to a company linked to the vice-chancellor’s associates, despite the company being inactive for years.
Additionally, they claim that renovations at the university’s Igbariam Campus were carried out by the VC and her family without consulting the institution’s planning department.
Furthermore, the petition states that the vice-chancellor used her influence to enforce the exclusive sale of her family’s bottled water brand, KONCIO, on campus.
Another water brand, B-ORIENT, was allegedly introduced in violation of university policies, leading to disputes among campus vendors.
The petitioners accuse the VC of diverting funds meant for student ID card production and attempting to manipulate contract reviews for the 2023 TETFund project as a means of extorting money.
They argue that her actions amount to gross violations of procurement laws and undermine the university’s administration.
However, in response, COOU’s management dismissed the allegations, calling the petition a smear campaign aimed at derailing Prof. Omenugha’s potential appointment as a substantive vice-chancellor.
University spokesperson Harrison Madubueze stated that no law enforcement agency had contacted the institution regarding any corruption claims.
He described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, emphasizing that the acting VC had spearheaded major reforms in academics, infrastructure, and community engagement at COOU.
While the controversy continues, the EFCC is expected to review the petition to determine if an investigation will be launched.
What are your thoughts on these allegations? Do you think the EFCC will take action? Share your opinions in the comments below and stay updated with the latest developments!
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