The Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Associate Prof. Vera Nwadinobi, has denied any involvement in an alleged N6.7 billion UBEC contract scam currently under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), News About Nigeria reports.
Reports circulating on social media platforms have claimed that the funds meant for UBEC projects in Anambra State for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 were allegedly misappropriated, with allegations of collusion among ASUBEB officials and government personnel.
When contacted for comment, Nwadinobi dismissed the allegations as “false and fabricated”, attributing them to individuals who are resistant to the “disruptive change” occurring in Anambra State.
According to investigations, the UBEC contracts during the period in question were purportedly awarded to entities that did not participate in the technical bidding process of the board.
A source within ASUBEB confirmed that officials implicated in the alleged scam have been summoned by the ICPC to provide explanations regarding their purported involvement.
The source also noted that the ASUBEB notice board, displaying the list of “qualified bidders”, was replaced amidst the unfolding investigation.
The reports further alleged that a new procurement head was installed at ASUBEB to oversee the awarding of contracts, despite not supervising the process or being involved in procurement activities.
Documents from ASUBEB purportedly reveal that contracts were awarded to 12 companies without their participation in the bidding process, while an additional 50 companies that failed to meet bidding requirements were allegedly granted contracts.
In response to inquiries, ASUBEB Chairman Nwadinobi stated that the allegations were baseless fabrications aimed at discrediting the ongoing efforts to improve governance and combat corruption in Anambra State.
Meanwhile, the ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, declined to provide detailed information on the ongoing investigation, citing the policy of non-disclosure during ongoing inquiries.
