FUNAI VC APPEALS TO REPS COMMITTEE TO FACILITATE BUDGETARY RELEASE
The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi state, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba has appealed to the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education and Services to facilitate the prompt release of budgetary allocations to the University to enable it implement its capital projects and ensure the smooth running of the institution.
Nwajiuba made the appeal recently while addressing members of the Committee, led by their chairman, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, who were in the University as part of their oversight functions. He pointed out that there was a huge gap between the actual release and budgeted figure, adding that it has hindered the University from functioning at an optimal level.
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (R) welcoming the Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services, Hon. Aminu Suleiman to the University
According to him, “the University staff since February of this year have been receiving 80% of their salaries due to shortfall in personnel cost”, and pleaded with the committee to intervene in the matter.
He also noted that the University has not received constant public power supply from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, stressing that in the month of June 2017 it only had 7 hours of public power, which makes the University to run virtually on diesel with its high attendant cost.
Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services, Hon. Aminu Suleiman speaking during the visit
In his response, Suleiman pledged to interface with the executive to ensure prompt and adequate budgetary release for the University to mitigate the impact of shortfall on the system. He maintained that their visit was part of their constitutional mandate geared towards acquainting themselves with happenings in Federal institutions in the country, especially as it concerns budget implementation.
Other members of the Committee who were at the University for the visit include; Mu’azu Lawal, Princess Stella Ngwu, Sam Onyigbo, Aminu Malle and Ben Nwankwo.
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (6th L) and some members of the University Management in a group photograph with members of House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services when they visited the University recently