The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has summoned the Vice-Chancellor of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUSOK), Prof. Bashir Garba, over concerns about the school’s 2023 budget performance.
The committee issued the directive after an oversight visit revealed several irregularities.
Committee Raises Red Flags Over Withheld Documents
In a statement released on Friday, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC–Jigawa), said the vice-chancellor must appear before lawmakers on Monday with his management team.
He stressed that the committee would act decisively if the VC failed to honour the invitation.
Fulata warned that the committee would not hesitate to issue an arrest warrant “on the the vice-chancellor of he should fail to appear.”
According to him, the lawmakers noticed deliberate attempts to hide essential documents during their visit.
He explained that these documents relate to how the institution has been run in recent years.
Repeated Requests Ignored by the UDUSOK Management
Fulata noted that the VC had ignored multiple letters asking him to submit important records.
These records include details of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 budget implementation.
He added that none of those requests were honoured.
He said the lawmakers were frustrated because “despite repeated letters to Garba to submit relevant documents regarding implementation of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets, he has refused to submit them.”
Furthermore, he stated that “when the committee eventually visited the school, the vice-chancellor was no where to be found.”
Only a few officers were available, and they came unprepared.
They could not answer basic questions about the university’s financial and administrative operations.
They also lacked documents covering the last three years.
Reps Threaten Arrest and Warn Against Discrimination
Fulata clarified the committee’s position to avoid misinterpretation.
According to him, “The committee is not on a witch-hunt mission, but we will not hesitate to issue a warrant of arrest, in line with the provision of the Constitution and House Rules, directing the Inspector-General of Police to bring him if he fails to appear with relevant documents on Monday, Dec. 8.”
The chairman said that a thorough review of past budget implementation would guide future appropriations.
He noted that such scrutiny helps the National Assembly understand the institution’s needs.
This, he said, directly influences how lawmakers address funding gaps.
He also warned university managers in the North-West against unfair treatment of staff and students.
He cautioned them to avoid discrimination in employment, promotion, and admission processes.