In a recent development, The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the contract awarded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The petition, addressed to Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, outlines concerns over the award of contracts in foreign currency by TETFund, a move deemed illegal under Nigerian law. Specifically, the petition cites the award of contracts totaling N3.8 Billion to Fides Et Ratio Academy and Pole Global Marketing (PGM) for capacity-building courses and learning management systems.
According to reports from an online news platform, the contract with Fides Et Ratio Academy was for capacity development training for students and staff of tertiary institutions, while the contract with Pole Global Marketing (PGM) was for capacity development and blackboard implementation. However, the petition alleges that the contracts were not fully executed despite payments being made, with 85% of the contract sum allegedly paid to PGM without evidence of work done.
Of particular concern to HEDA Resource Centre is the payment of $5 million to an offshore account for the contract with PGM, a transaction that raises suspicions of illegal movement of foreign currency or potential money laundering. Such actions, the petition asserts, are in direct violation of Section 7 of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment Etc.) Act, 2011, which governs the management and administration of the Fund.
The HEDA Boss further emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the matter and called for the prosecution of individuals implicated in the alleged wrongdoing. He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in the management of public funds.
In light of these concerns, the anti-corruption group has called upon EFCC to conduct a diligent investigation into the improper award of contracts by TETFund and to take appropriate legal action against those found culpable. The organization awaits swift action from EFCC in response to their petition.
