In a stunning development at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Mr Paul Agbor, the Director of Management Staff Services in the Bursary Department, has been implicated in a series of fraudulent activities and gross misconduct.
This revelation comes through a query issued to him by the university’s Registrar, Gabriel O. Egbe, dated August 15, 2024.
A copy of the letter seen by EduCeleb.com reveals that the allegations against Mr. Agbor are severe and multifaceted, involving the infiltration of ghost workers into the university’s payroll system, forgery of official documents, and the unauthorized use of the Vice Chancellor’s signature to secure personal and familial gains.
Infiltration of Ghost Workers
One of the major accusations against Mr. Agbor is the alleged manipulation of the university’s payroll to include individuals with no legitimate employment at the institution.
The query specifically mentions that Mr. Agbor fraudulently added the name of his son, Agbor, Matthew Otu, to the payroll under the position of Chief Accountant, starting from November 2023.
Through this scheme, his son was reportedly allocated an IPPIS number, TI340911, which enabled him to draw salaries amounting to N774,687.77 for November, December, and January 2023.
The allegations do not stop there. Mr. Agbor is also accused of enrolling his sister, Ms. Agbor Veronica Bara, a retired teacher, into the university’s payroll under CONTISS 14/9.
This manipulation allowed her to draw salaries amounting to N4,083,557.22, despite having no clear designation within the university.
Furthermore, it is alleged that Mr. Agbor abused his office by facilitating the undue financial advantage for his wife, Cecilia Jabe Agbor, through incessant increments in her salary.
The query notes, “You abused the privilege of your office by giving your wife, Cecilia Jabe Agbor (IPPIS No. TI93016) undue financial advantage through incessant increment in salary steps.”
Forgery of Official Documents
The query also addresses the serious charge of forgery. Mr. Agbor is accused of forging the Vice Chancellor’s signature on a Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) application form, which was then submitted to the TETFund office.
Additionally, he allegedly used the Vice Chancellor’s letterhead to generate an approval letter for overseas training sponsorships, benefiting himself and four other individuals related to him.
The Registrar pointedly remarks, “You were also alleged to have used the Vice Chancellor’s letterhead paper to generate an approval letter of sponsorship for overseas training in favour of yourself and four of your relations and cronies.”
University’s Response
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Banku Obi, has expressed deep concern over these disturbing allegations.
The query emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating, “As an Accountant in an institution like the University, you should have known very well the implications of your actions, especially against the backdrop of the provisions of the University’s Financial Regulations.”
Mr. Agbor has been given 48 hours to respond to the query and provide reasons why severe disciplinary actions should not be taken against him for his alleged involvement in these unwholesome practices.
The letter concludes with the Vice Chancellor’s directive for an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter, as the university seeks to uphold its integrity and financial accountability.
This scandal has sent shockwaves through the academic community, raising serious questions about the internal controls and oversight mechanisms within the UNICAL.
The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the university’s administration and its efforts to combat corruption and fraud within its ranks.
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