By Amos Aar
THE MANAGEMENT of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University (formerly Benue State University, Makurdi) has refuted claims of a missing N2 billion, describing the allegations as baseless and misleading.
This clarification follows a legal action initiated by the institution’s Director of ICT against Mr. Henry Ibya, the Benue State correspondent of Aljazirah Newspaper, over alleged defamation, cyberstalking, and injurious falsehood.
Ibya’s report had claimed that the university lost N2 billion due to a crashed ICT portal, leading to the purported suspension of the ICT Director for investigations.
Ibya was detained at the Benue State Police Command on April 25, 2025, before being arraigned in court and remanded at the Makurdi Correctional Facility.
After nearly a week in custody, he was granted bail, with the case adjourned to July 2025.
In a media briefing with select journalists in Makurdi, senior university officials addressed the allegations, providing insights into student fee compliance, ICT portal functionality, administrative restructuring, and scholarship initiatives.
Student Fees and Financial Transparency
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Simon Terver Ubwa, acknowledged resistance to fee payments, attributing it to economic hardships and cultural perceptions equating fees with taxation.
“Many students are studying without paying fees,” he admitted, noting the administration’s cautious approach to enforcement to prevent unrest.
He clarified that a council-mandated committee was reviewing fee compliance but stressed that the process was unrelated to any financial misconduct.
“No N2 billion is missing. The committee’s work is strictly administrative, not investigative,” Prof. Ubwa stated.
ICT Portal Upgrade, Not Sabotage
Addressing reported technical issues with the university portal, Prof. Ubwa explained that the challenges arose from outdated software struggling with increased traffic, necessitating an upgrade — not due to a crash.
Engr. Jacob Nguuma Ayua, an alumnus and former ICT head, was contracted to oversee the upgrade given his expertise.
“Claims of frequent crashes and N20 million pay-outs per incident are false. A full upgrade costs over N100 million, but Engr. Ayua offered subsidized rates due to his affiliation,” he said.
No Suspensions, Only Administrative Restructuring
Registrar, Mr. Barnabas Hemba dismissed rumours of staff suspensions, confirming that the Bursar and ICT Director remain active in their roles.
“The restructuring is an operational realignment, not punitive,” he stated.
Prof. Ubwa added that the measures were performance-driven under the council’s oversight, emphasizing, “No one is under investigation for embezzlement.”
Donor Funds Properly Accounted For
The management also affirmed that donations, including longstanding scholarships from Engr. Gasarah for Physics and Mathematics students, are securely managed. “Recent development funds are in the university’s account and fully documented,” Prof. Ubwa noted.
The university urged responsible journalism to curb misinformation and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inviting further inquiries to clarify any concerns.
