A visitation panel to Taraba State University has revealed financial irregularities amounting to N3.5 billion within the institution.
Addressing journalists in Jalingo on Thursday, the panel chairman, Prof. Josiah Sabo-Kente, disclosed that the university had been operating with a deficient accounting system since its establishment in 2008. Furthermore, he stated that the university fell short of the minimum standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The panel, commissioned by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas in December 2023, was tasked with identifying challenges facing the institution.
Highlighting the panel’s findings, Prof. Sabo-Kente emphasized, “The university has since inception in 2008 operated a poor accounting system.” He noted a significant lack of financial accountability, including a period from 2012 to 2016 during which the university operated without a cash book, hindering financial record reconciliation.
Financial discrepancies from 2010 to 2023 were identified, totaling over N3.5 billion. The panel recommended an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the university’s financial management practices, including the handling of statutory allocations and internally generated revenue.
The panel chairman also raised concerns about governance issues, noting frequent turnover in the appointment of the governing council chairman without a corresponding university administration, adversely affecting the institution’s operations.
Academically, the university was found to be understaffed, running 53 programs with insufficient faculty members. Prof. Sabo-Kente highlighted the imbalance between academic and non-academic staff, citing a deficit in academic staff across faculties and departments.
Moreover, the panel’s report outlined infrastructural challenges such as inadequate lighting, water shortages, and a lack of medical facilities, urging prompt action to address these issues.
The revelations from the visitation panel underscore the need for decisive action to address systemic challenges and restore financial integrity and academic standards at Taraba State University.
