The group alleged that the university commenced work on two multimillion-naira projects without adhering to mandatory procurement procedures stipulated by law.
In a statement issued at the weekend, the coalition faulted the commencement of a 4.5-kilometre internal road construction and the rehabilitation of the university’s filling station, both reportedly valued at approximately ₦2.8 billion.
According to the group, the projects took off shortly after the assumption of office of the university’s Vice-Chancellor but allegedly did so without the necessary approvals or competitive procurement processes.
The coalition claimed that construction activities began well before the University of Nigeria Tenders Board was notified, accusing the management of backdating procurement documents in a bid to regularise the process.
The group said the relevant paperwork was only presented to the Tenders Board on October 13, weeks after contractors were already on site and work had begun in earnest.
According to the organisations, mobilising contractors without public advertisement, open competitive bidding, or a duly awarded contract violates the Public Procurement Act (2007)—the legislation guiding how public institutions must manage procurement.
They specifically referenced Section 58 of the Act, which prescribes penalties including a minimum five-year jail term without an option of fine for officials found guilty of deliberately circumventing due process.
The coalition described the alleged infractions as “a direct assault on transparency and accountability,” warning that such practices, if unchecked, undermine public trust in the management of public institutions.
It therefore called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to immediately launch an independent investigation into the matter.
The groups cautioned that failure by the relevant authorities to act decisively may compel them to seek legal redress to ensure accountability and compliance with statutory procurement standards.
Efforts to reach the university’s management for comments were unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report.
