Secrets Reporters
A troubling financial scandal has emerged at the Federal Government College, Ido-ani, Ondo State, where a review of official records has uncovered the diversion of nearly ₦90 million meant for student feeding into private pockets.
The irregularities, which occurred in 2020, took place under the watch of the school’s principal at the time, Mr. Chega S.G., who has been listed as the head of the institution from August 2014 onward.
Documents examined revealed that 58 separate payments, totaling ₦89,490,000.00, were made for the purchase of food items for students. However, instead of these funds going to approved vendors or through the proper government treasury channels, the money was allegedly paid directly into the personal bank accounts of four unnamed officers.
The transactions were flagged for blatant disregard of established financial rules. Specifically, the payments violated the Treasury Circular TRY/A7&B7/2015 and the Financial Regulations of 2009, which mandate strict procurement processes for such huge sums.
Financial Regulation 603 states, “All vouchers shall contain full particulars of each service such as dates, numbers, quantities, distances and rates….and will invariably be supported by relevant documents such as LPOs, invoices, special letters of authority, time sheets, rates etc.”
The review further noted that the transactions were executed without the necessary Supporting Retirement Vouchers or Store Issue Vouchers, documents that are critical for proving that goods were actually received and distributed to the students.
Beyond the immediate loss of funds for the students’ welfare, the report estimated that the government also lost approximately ₦12,081,150.00 in potential tax revenue due to the irregular payment method. The findings raise serious concerns about the possibility of diversion of public funds and a total breakdown of internal controls at the college.
When confronted with the findings regarding the massive feeding fraud, the management of the college offered no explanation or response. The silence of the school authorities, combined with the lack of documentation for the food supplies, leaves a dark cloud over the administration of the unity school during the period in question.
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