The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Gusau, Prof. Muazu Abubakar has dismissed reports alleging that members of the House of Representatives Committee on University Education demanded a total of N480 million from federal universities as a condition for approving their 2025 budgets.
In a letter dated January 27 and addressed to the committee chairman, Abubakar Fulata, the vice-chancellor refuted claims that N8 million was requested from each university.
He described the reports as misleading and an attempt to create unnecessary controversy.
Prof. Abubakar noted that the publication specifically referenced an unnamed stubborn vice-chancellor a title some had linked to him. He initially chose to ignore the allegations but later decided to set the record straight to prevent the spread of false narratives.
“We categorically state that no member of the university team present at the budget defence was part of the information circulated in the media. We urge Mr. Chairman and your esteemed committee members to disregard this malicious and sensational report, which aims to mislead the public and undermine constructive journalism,” he wrote.
He further commended the House Committee for its support and engagement, describing the budget defence session as robust and transparent.
Similarly, Abubakar Fulata, chairman of the House Committee on University Education, dismissed the bribery allegations at a press briefing, insisting that lawmakers had not requested any form of payment.
“It is absurd for anyone to suggest that lawmakers demanded even a ‘kobo’ as a precondition for approving budget proposals,” Fulata stated.
He argued that the report was a calculated attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the reputation of the 10th House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives spokesman, Akin Rotimi also issued a statement rejecting the report, stating that the allegations were baseless and lacked investigative depth.
“The 10th House of Representatives is firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards. These values form the bedrock of our operations. The baseless and sensational allegations in the report are a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the House and erode public trust in this hallowed institution,” Rotimi said.
