President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the removal of the suspended Registrar of the National Examination Council (NECO), Prof. Charles Uwakwe and four other directors. The four directors include Mr Bamidele Olure, Acting Director, Finance and Accounts;
Dr Shina Adetona, Head of Procurement Division; Mr Tayo Odukoya, Deputy Director; and Mr Babatunde Aina, Head of Legal/Board Matters.
In a letter signed by Mr Sunny Ochono, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, he explained that the removed officials who have been suspended for over two years were over allegations of misconducts, corruption, and violation of NECO Establishment Act among others.
Ochono also mentioned that Uwakwe's termination of appointment took effect when he was suspended and he was removed for "violating the Public Procurement Act (2007) and pursuant to PSR 030402 and part 1 schedule 4 (i) of NECO Establishment Act."
While the other four officials' termination was contained in a separate letter also signed by Ochono.
The letter said, "after due consideration of the financial report of the Review Committee, Mr. President has approved the recommendations as follows:
"Mr. Bamidele Amos Olure, Acting Director (Finance and Accounts), dismissal from the service with effect from the date of his suspension from office having been found guilty of financial impropriety and not qualified to Head the Finance and Accounts Department."
According to the letter, Mr Adetona was dismissed over fraudulent practices, sabotage and suppression of official records pursuant to PSR 030402 (b & t). He is to be prosecuted in line with section 58 (5) (a & b) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) (2007) for flagrant violation of PPA 2007 as Head of Procurement and misleading management on procurement.
Mr Odukoya was dismissed for acts of serious misconduct which violates PSR 030302 and 030402 (q) (t) (w). He would be prosecuted in line with section 58 (5) (a) and (b) of the Public Procurement Act (2007) for flagrant violation of the Act.
While, Mr Aina was dismissed for falsification of records and dishonesty in the sale of NECO guest House, violating section 2609 (a) of the Financial Regulations (FR) and PPA (2007) part X section 55 (2) – (4) and section 56, which are tantamount to serious misconduct pursuant to PSR 030301 (g), PSR 030402 (a) and PSR 030402 (m).