The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics and Other Higher Technical Education has raised concerns over the financial management of Federal Polytechnic Ugep in Cross River State. The committee discovered that the institution, with just 142 students and 154 academic and non-academic staff, incurs an annual expenditure exceeding N600 million on personnel and overhead costs.
Alarming Cost-to-Student Ratio
The revelation was made during a routine oversight visit by the committee. Lawmakers expressed shock at the high expenditure, describing it as unsustainable given the institution’s low student population.
“This expenditure raises serious questions about the efficiency and prudence of resource allocation within the institution,” a member of the committee remarked.
Calls for Justification
The committee has demanded a comprehensive explanation from the management of the polytechnic regarding its financial practices. Questions have been raised about why the institution’s operating costs are disproportionately high compared to its student enrollment.
Federal Polytechnic Ugep is one of the smaller polytechnics in the country, and its enrollment numbers are significantly lower than other federal institutions. However, its expenditure on staff and overhead appears to rival much larger polytechnics with thousands of students.
Next Steps
The House Committee has directed the management of the polytechnic to submit a detailed breakdown of its expenditure, including personnel salaries and overhead costs. The committee also hinted at the possibility of initiating reforms to address wastage and improve operational efficiency.
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Public Reactions
The revelation has sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for stricter oversight of tertiary institutions to curb financial mismanagement. Some also questioned the rationale for maintaining such a low student-to-staff ratio in a federally funded institution.
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are hopeful that the findings will lead to reforms that ensure better accountability and judicious use of public funds in higher education.
