The Egalitarian Movement for All, EMA, a non-partisan society of academics has called on the a federal government to in line with its current bid to stem corruption in the education sector order a probe into the affairs the University of Ilorin under the chancellorship of Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali over alleged corruption.
The group also called on the Nigerian government to thoroughly look into the activities of Professor Zana Akpagu, VC of the University of Calabar.
DAILY POST reports that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ibadan Zone had last week called for the resignation Ambali over allegations of fraud levelled against him.
According to ASUU Ibadan zone, the Vice Chancellor was involved in fraud, plagiarism, nepotism, lawlessness, unlawful appointment and promotion without following due process, as well as defrauding students of millions of naira.
EMA, in a statement by its Executive director, Dr. James Lawan, noted that the recent suspension of the Vice Chancellors of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Adebiyi Daramola and Prof Olusola Oyewole respectively will demonstrate federal government’s readiness to deal with corruption issues in all sectors of the economy.
The movement subsequently called on the minister of education, Mallam Adamu Adamu to as a matter of urgent national concern institute a probe into the activities of Professors Ambali and Akpagu, Vice Chancellors of Unilorin and UNICAL respectively.
He said the Minister must demonstrate that there are no sacred cows in his war against corruption in the education sector to prove his sincerity of purpose by ensuring they are prosecuted.
The movement also called on the federal government to extend its searchlight to other universities which vice chancellors have been accused of similar crimes.
He said, “People with questionable characters should never again be allowed to occupy sensitive positions in the education sector considering its role in the building and training of our youths who are regarded as leaders of tomorrow.
“The probe must not end with the two but must be extended to other institutions in the country.
“The minister has started well he has taken the bull by the horns, corruption will try to fight back but said the minister cannot relent.”
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