By Favour Nnabugwu
ABUJA—Federal Government, yesterday, set up a seven-man committee to look into crisis in the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, FUPRE, Effurun, Delta State.

Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, said in Abuja that the inauguration of the committee was necessitated by the need to lay to rest all troubles plaguing the institution.

The committee, chaired by Prof. Olurotimi Tayo, has 30 days to investigate issues on FUPRE’s administration at council and management levels; alleged disregard for due process in staff recruitment and appointments; alleged misapplication of funds; alleged disregard to protocol and tenets of public service, and the institution’s inability to successfully manage the accreditation of its programmes.

Members

Other members of the committee include: Prof. Ikenna Onyido, Dr. Chris Tamuno, Prof. Patrick Oshio, Abdu Gimba, Dr. Adamu Ahmed with Mrs Ori Okujokwu as Secretary,.

Other allegations causing ripples in the university are: inability of the university to attract and employ qualified staff to fill critical positions in the institution and loss of confidence in the administration of the university by both staff and students.

Education Minister’s charge

Rufa’i further directed members of the committee to, in the course of their investigations, recall from leave with immediate effect any member of staff whose attention was needed by the committee.

She said: “I have no doubt in my mind that with the calibre of persons in this visitation panel, your concise recommenda-tions will address all the crises in the university to fast-track this assignment.

“The panel is hereby authorised to recall any officer of the university that is currently on leave and conclude this exercise in 30 days.”

The committee is to investigate application of funds, including special grants and loans meant for special projects, in order to determine the status of such projects and their relevance for further funding.

It is also to examine the law establishing the institution and see in what ways the law had been observed in all its ramifications and also suggest modifications, if needed.

C’ttee’s promise

Prof. Tayo thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in  members of the committee to deliver.

He said the committee had been briefed on the problems in the institution and would act in line with the terms of reference.

He said: “I want to assure the Minister that we will do our best within the powers given us to thoroughly investigate and get back to her within the 30 days.”