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‘University Of Abuja terminated our contract illegally’ – Edutechportal alleges
The management of Edutechportal Solutions has described as unfair and abuse of due process and flagrant recklessness the recent termination of agreement between the organization and the Professor Na’Allah led- University of Abuja.
The Media Consultant to Edutechportal Solutions, Akinola Sunday in a statement made available to journalists said he believes the initial intention of the authority of the University of Abuja then was probably along the line of adherence to probity in public procurement when they placed an advert in the Daily Trust in May, 2018, requesting for expression of interest for the deployment of student fee management portal for the University.
“At the time of the advert, the requirements were very clear, which Edutechportal Solutions met diligently, prior to a letter of engagement from the University of Abuja dated 15th March, 2019 which stated inter alia, “I wish to inform you that the university has approved your engagement as consultant for the deployment of student fee management Portal for a period of one (1) in the first instance.
“The engagement letter further stated that the main responsibilities of the consultant (Edutech Portal Service) are “stipulated in the consultancy service Agreement” Upon the receipt of this correspondence, the board of Edutech, refrained from responding immediately in the midst of reviewing the engagement letter.
“However, the subsequent correspondence by the University authority, became a source of worry for the Board of Edutech because of the discrepancies in the further letter reminding Edutech that the University was yet to receive their acceptance letter on the said engagement. This letter written by one Prof. Kolawole attempted to vitiate the one from the same office of the UniAbuja registrar on the same subject matter.
“The letter signed by Professor A.A Kolawole in the capacity of Chairman, Ad-Hoc committee to review Terms of Contract on behalf of the Registrar had a different tone.
“A bemused Edutechportal Solutions, worried about the Propriety of the originality of a letter with a photocopied signature of one Prof. A. A Kolawole supposedly emanating from the office of the Registrar wrote to seek for clarification on the status of the letter”, Akinola explained.
The organization’s mouthpiece further noted that it was at this point and sequel to the appointment of Prof. Na’Allah that the patient issues of impropriety began to unfold adding that it was on the basis of the framework that Edutechportal submitted its Technical and Financial bid.
He also revealed that a letter conveying approval of engagement and an authorization to commit resources to development and deployment of the bespoke Automated Booking and Allocation Hostel Management system on global cloud servers, amidst others ensured that Edutech started to commit resources and equipment.
Continuing, he explained that prior to this, the consultant had submitted a draft memorandum of understanding to the University, the MOU was discussed, reviewed and agreed upon even though the university lawyer at that point strongly observed that the MOU may be unenforceable due to the contract between the nature and enormity of service and the duration of engagement.
He added that with reference to the propriety of Kolawole’s letter, the suspicion of foul play arose as a result of the difference in the version of the letters written and signed by Mrs. Laraba Agnes on behalf of the Registrar and the letter of engagement signed by the University Registrar herself, Mrs. Rifkatu Hoshen Swanta.
Explaining further, Akinola observed that a funny twist to this anomaly is the fact that both letters had the same reference number, address and date, but the Registrar’s letter version variates the terms of the original letter which was sent by the university to the consultant in the first instance.
“While the original letter forwarded to the consultant stipulated an initial one year, the version signed by the the registrar stipulated one year period finality for the engagement of the consultant, Professor Kolawole’s letter made it emphatically clear that the Council of the University of Abuja had decided to engage the information Technology Management Services (ITMS) of the University for the same deployment of student fee management portal in nine months, stating that the decision had to be factored into the new arrangement and terms of contract”, he submitted.
The Representative in the statement said in seeking clarification on Professor Kolawole’s status, Edutech was anxious that a surreptitious move was indeed in place to circumvent the transparent process that led to its emergence as preferred consultant.
He said though, the vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof M.U Adikwu and the managing Director of Edutech signed the MOU. This MOU had been in the custody of the University lawyer since June 2019; while the lawyer also informed Edutech portal solutions that he received information that he should remove some portions of the signed MOU before handing over a copy to Edutech.
“Despite conflicting and inconsistent directives from different levels of authority, the consultant, Edutech was still able to deliver on its mandate.
“Aside from generating over N44m from undergraduate fees only on the first day of transaction, it generated over N500m by the end of the first month”.
He disclosed that the consultancy firm has without building new hostels generated for the university about N67m on hostel bed spaces, a surplus of 47M as compared to what the university used to collect. The university effectively recorded the highest level of registration in the period. From the meagre N350m for a full academic year on its old portal, It has has been able to generate over N750m for the 2018/2019 session undergraduate school fees only.
“Hence, it is painful and worrisome that a Nigerian Educational Technology firm that diligently followed due process and performed a feat of generating over 450 million naira (about half a billion naira) in one year as extra IGR through its fee portal for a federal university sitting in the federal capital territory could be treated as inconsequential despite the audit history of the university.
“While it appeared that the erstwhile vice chancellor acted in good faith and actually forced the Director’s arms to do what was right and proper, the emergence of Prof. Na’Allah as Vice Chancellor in July, 2019 has titled the odds in favour of the Director of Computer Center whose agenda from the beginning of the process was not to follow the spirit and letters of the agreement originally prepared and reviewed by both parties.
“In a season when adherence to due process has become the mantra, and the economic agenda of the government to promote investment and business in line with international best standards, the attitude of the authority of University of Abuja amounts to deceit, illegality and to all intents and purposes, fraudulent. It is a clear testimony of discouraging the Nigeria investor from engaging in legitimate business.
“In this instance, Edutechportal solutions with very good intentions to do business in line with acceptable corporate governance standards has now been caught in the web of the greed and fraudulent abuse of office by principal officers of the University of Abuja”, the statement reads.
Akinola, however concluded that in an attempt to seek redress, the Board of Edutech had written to the Governing Council of the university to complain and get justice. Similarly, Attorneys to Edutech, Lanre Falola & Co. had also written to the Vice Chancellor, to demand the execution of the agreement between the consultant and University of Abuja.
Efforts made by our Mega Icon Magazine to reach the University for comments were unsuccessful.
Even Mr Osanaiye, one of those concerned, when contacted directed out reporter to the University Public Relations Officer who promised to call back but has not called while messages to his phone were also not responded to.
Thousands of farmers across Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State received a major boost on Monday as the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, distributed agrochemicals, farm tools and other agricultural inputs to no fewer than 7,000 beneficiaries.
The intervention, aimed at boosting food production and cushioning the impact of rising production costs on farmers, is the latest in a series of agricultural support initiatives facilitated by the federal lawmaker to strengthen farming activities across the constituency.
Before the latest distribution, Oseni had supplied no fewer than six trailers of fertiliser to farmers in Ibarapa East and Ido Local Government Areas to improve crop yields, enhance productivity and support increased agricultural output.
Speaking during the distribution programme held in Ibadan, the All Progressives Congress chieftain said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to tackling hunger, enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians through increased agricultural production.
According to him, the intervention is designed to encourage more people to embrace farming, expand cultivation and contribute meaningfully to national food production.
”About 7,000 people are benefiting from today’s empowerment programme. The essence is to continue encouraging farmers within the federal constituency by providing them with the necessary support to improve their productivity,” Oseni said.
He stressed that sustained investment in agriculture remained critical to addressing food shortages, reducing the cost of food and strengthening the nation’s economy, noting that agriculture continues to be one of the most viable pathways to sustainable economic growth and national development.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) explained that the earlier distribution of six trailers of fertiliser, the current supply of agricultural inputs and the rehabilitation of rural roads were all part of a comprehensive strategy to improve farming activities and ensure that farmers had the resources and infrastructure required to maximise production during the farming season.
He noted that improving access to quality farm inputs, alongside better rural road networks, would enable farmers to cultivate larger portions of land, transport their produce more easily and ultimately increase food availability across the country.
Oseni also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure a second term in office in the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, the economic reforms and policy decisions introduced by the Tinubu administration have laid a solid foundation for economic recovery, infrastructure development and improved governance, making the President the preferred choice of many Nigerians ahead of the next general election.
”No opposition can stop Nigerians from re-electing President Bola Tinubu. Nigerians need a God-fearing leader like him to continue the work of rebuilding the country.
”Since President Tinubu assumed office, fuel scarcity has become a thing of the past. States that previously struggled to pay workers’ salaries now do so more conveniently. Our tax system has been reformed, while road infrastructure and other development projects are expanding across the country,” he said.
The lawmaker further pledged to mobilise widespread grassroots support for the President through the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF), expressing confidence that the group would deliver one million votes for Tinubu in Oyo State during the 2027 presidential election.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, party faithful and other critical stakeholders to rally behind the President’s re-election bid, insisting that one term would not be sufficient to consolidate the reforms already initiated by the current administration.
Oseni also appealed to eligible Nigerians who were yet to register or collect their Permanent Voter Cards to do so ahead of the 2027 general election.
He encouraged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process and support President Tinubu and candidates of the All Progressives Congress, saying continued support for the administration would ensure the consolidation of ongoing reforms and accelerate national development.
Earlier in his remarks, the Onido of Ido, Oba Gbolagade Babalola, commended the lawmaker for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would significantly support farmers and boost agricultural production in the constituency.
The monarch urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the farm inputs to maximise their productivity and improve their livelihoods.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State and aspirant for the Irepo/Oorelope/Olorunsogo Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections, Hon. Bosun Oladele, has called on members of the party and the wider progressive family in the state to embrace unity in order to preserve and advance the legacy of the late former Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Oladele made the appeal on Thursday as political associates, loyalists and admirers marked the remembrance of the former governor, whose administration was widely associated with the popular slogan, “Koseleri.”
In a statement he personally issued, the federal lawmaker hopeful described Ajimobi as a visionary leader whose passion for development transformed Oyo State and left an enduring footprint in its political history.
According to him, the annual remembrance of the late governor offers an opportunity for progressives to reflect on the ideals, discipline and commitment that defined Ajimobi’s leadership.
“It is that time of the year to remember the passion that once drove the developmental strides of the Pace Setter State, the centre of politics in Nigeria and a state renowned for many firsts,” Oladele said.
He noted that although the former governor had departed, his contributions to governance and public service remain fresh in the minds of many residents and party faithful.
“Oyo State still misses his sharp mind, problem-solving abilities, oratory prowess, focused leadership and developmental initiatives. His style of governance inspired confidence and demonstrated what purposeful leadership could achieve,” he stated.
Oladele stressed that Ajimobi’s legacy should continue to serve as a source of inspiration for members of the APC, urging them to close ranks and work towards a common goal.
“Even though he is gone, his legacy gives the progressive family in Oyo State hope that the future he envisioned for our dear state remains achievable through oneness and unity of purpose.
“I therefore call on all members of the APC and the progressive family at large to join hands, put aside differences and work together towards winning future elections as part of efforts to actualise the developmental aspirations our departed leader had for Oyo State,” he added.
The APC stalwart also prayed for the repose of Ajimobi’s soul and sought divine strength for his family, particularly his widow, Ambassador Florence Ajimobi, as she continues to shoulder public and private responsibilities.
He expressed optimism that Oyo State would once again witness progressive governance driven by visionary leadership, inclusiveness and a shared commitment to the welfare of the people.
The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish state police services across the country, a major milestone in ongoing efforts to decentralise policing and tackle Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
The proposed legislation introduces a dual policing framework comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services, effectively replacing the existing structure under which policing is exclusively controlled by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force.
The bill was passed after Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, presented its general principles on the floor of the Red Chamber.
It subsequently scaled second reading, underwent a rigorous clause-by-clause consideration and was passed for third reading after securing the support of more than two-thirds of the senators.
A key provision of the constitutional amendment empowers governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by the state Houses of Assembly.
Clause 17 of the bill provides that a State Police Service shall be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by the House of Assembly of the state.
The proposed law further defines the operational relationship between governors and state police commands, allowing governors to issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature to Commissioners of Police on matters relating to the maintenance of public safety and order within their states.
To address widespread concerns over possible abuse of the proposed policing structure, lawmakers incorporated safeguards aimed at protecting political freedoms and civil liberties.
The bill expressly states that a state Commissioner of Police shall not arrest, detain, investigate or deploy force against any individual, political party or group merely for criticising the government, except in accordance with the law.
The provision is intended to prevent state police formations from being used to intimidate political opponents, activists, journalists and other dissenting voices while ensuring that all actions taken conform with due process.
The amendment also empowers the Federal Police Service to temporarily intervene in the internal security affairs of a state where there is an actual or imminent breakdown of public order or public safety which the state police are unable or unwilling to contain.
Such intervention must be authorised in writing by the President, who is required to state the grounds, territorial scope, functions and duration of the operation.
The President must also notify the governor, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, the National Police Council and the National Assembly within 48 hours of the commencement of the intervention.
The bill further provides that no federal intervention shall continue beyond a period to be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly unless approved by a resolution of the Senate.
The Senate’s approval came barely a day after President Bola Tinubu transmitted the bill to the National Assembly as part of his administration’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to the President, the proposed amendment is designed to provide a legal framework for a dual policing structure that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police.
Tinubu said the proposal is a critical component of ongoing efforts to reorganise the country’s policing system, enhance security and better protect citizens, adding that communities, municipalities and local government areas would play more active roles in policing responsibilities under the new arrangement.
The renewed push for state police comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, banditry and mass kidnappings across parts of the country.
Supporters of the proposal argue that decentralised policing would strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering, deepen community-based security initiatives and ensure quicker responses to crimes and emergencies.
Critics, however, have cautioned against possible political interference by governors, funding challenges and the risk of exacerbating ethnic or communal tensions.
Tinubu had earlier described state police as inevitable in addressing the nation’s security challenges and urged lawmakers to fast-track constitutional amendments aimed at bringing the proposal to fruition.
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