Nigerian Businessman Accused of Mismanagement in Taraba JAMB Centre Project

The N95.9m worth building constructed by Gorrion Engineering Limited, Photo: Tracka

In a shocking revelation, the Nigerian government, through the SHEDA Science and Technology Complex – Abuja, has allegedly paid a sum of N133.8 million in two tranches to construct and equip a JAMB Centre in Taraba State. However, investigations have revealed that the project was marred by mismanagement of funds and substandard construction, raising concerns about accountability and the quality of work delivered.

According to a report published by Tracka Nigeria on May 25, 2023, the project was part of the 2022 Federal government budget, aimed at improving the experience and transition of secondary school students in Taraba State who would be writing the UTME for admission into higher institutions.

Initially tracking the project in August 2022, Tracka Nigeria visited the Taraba State JAMB Office to gather information. Surprisingly, the CEO, Mrs. Veronica Ayuba, claimed to be unaware of the project and stated that no one had contacted her regarding it. She expressed her support for the construction of a JAMB centre, citing the limited capacity of the existing CBT centre owned by the board.

In May 2023, Tracka Nigeria revisited the JAMB office to inquire about the progress of the projects. They were requested to return on another day for a site inspection. Three days later, they were taken to the site, located in Yagai, Yorro LGA, on the outskirts of Jalingo, a 40-minute drive from the city center.

The interior of the building. Photo: Tracka

To their dismay, Tracka Nigeria found a one-storey building with one hall on each floor. The building had no signage, showed no signs of ongoing construction, and the roofs were already deteriorating. Mrs. Ayuba expressed her dissatisfaction with the location, highlighting security concerns and the inconvenience for students who would potentially use the centre.

An investigation using www.govspend.ng revealed that N95.9 million was paid to Gorrion Engineering LTD on December 23, 2022, for the construction, while N37 million was paid to Pure Diamond Consult LTD for equipping the centre on the same day. Shockingly, both companies were found to be owned by the same individual, Kenneth Ejiofor Ifekudu, raising suspicions of mismanagement and a conflict of interest.

Below are the details of the two projects allocated to JAMB, situated in Taraba state.

ERGP202200214 CONSTRUCTION OF JAMB CENTRE IN JALINGO, TARABA STATE NEW 127,500,000 SHEDA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX – ABUJA

ERGP202200215 EQUIPPING/PROVISION OF COMPUTERS TO JAMB CENTRE IN JALINGO AND PROVISION OF GENERATOR NEW 85,000,000 SHEDA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPLEX – ABUJA

Tracka Nigeria questioned how N95 million could only result in the construction of a one-storey building without any additional amenities. The use of substandard materials was evident, posing a potential risk of collapse in the future.

Kenneth Ifekudu, a well-known businessman in the engineering and construction sector, has been implicated in delivering subpar work using taxpayers’ funds. Questions have been raised about his reputation as an expert in the field, given the poor quality of the project.

The N95.9m worth building constructed by Gorrion Engineering Limited, Photo: Tracka

Furthermore, despite the disbursement of N37 million to Pure Diamond Consult LTD five months ago for the equipment, no equipment has been delivered to the site, raising doubts about whether the equipment will ever be provided.

Tracka Nigeria is calling on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to investigate the mismanagement of public funds by Gorrion Engineering LTD and to probe Pure Diamond Consult LTD to ensure the delivery of the equipment corresponding to the amount paid.

The poor section of the roof. Photo: Tracka

The organization also strongly condemns SHEDA Science and Technology Complex – Abuja, the implementing agency headed by Professor Paul C. Oyenekwe, for their failure to exercise proper oversight and quality control, allowing such mismanagement of public funds to occur. Tracka Nigeria calls for an investigation into the agency to determine who was responsible for this grave oversight.

The Taraba JAMB Centre project has raised serious concerns about accountability and the need for stricter oversight in the execution of government projects. The Nigerian public and relevant authorities are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigations to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.