House Of Reps Indicts Federal University Gusau VC For Blocking Public Access To School Budgets, Serial FOI Act Violations
The Federal University Gusau faces serious scrutiny for systematically denying public access to its operational and financial records, directly contravening Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act. By withholding budget performance documents and blocking oversight visits, the university’s leadership has obstructed transparency, preventing citizens and lawmakers from understanding how public resources are managed. This pattern of non-compliance highlights a significant gap between legal obligations and administrative practices in public institutions. The House of Representatives Committee on Freedom of Information has formally indicted the Vice Chancellor for violating specific sections of the FOI Act that mandate proactive disclosure. The committee demanded detailed reports on financial provisions, procurement processes, and internally generated revenue, emphasizing that public institutions must actively publish such data online. The refusal to provide these records, particularly regarding capital projects and staff details, suggests an intentional effort to obscure potential financial irregularities and contract violations within the administration. This case is critical to the open data movement because it demonstrates the tangible consequences of withholding institutional information and the role of legislative oversight in enforcing transparency rights. It underscores the necessity of accessible digital portals and regular reporting not just as bureaucratic formalities, but as essential mechanisms for accountability. The incident serves as a stark reminder that without enforced open data policies, public funds remain vulnerable to misuse and citizens are deprived of the information needed to hold their leaders accountable.
Source: saharareporters.comPublished on 2025-10-10