A legal practitioner, Nurat Ileigo Usman, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Professor Zana Itiunbe Akpagu, who served as vice chancellor of the University of Calabar between 2015 and 2020. Usman's petition, dated September 18, 2026, was addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and obtained by newsmen on Friday in Abuja. The petition was prompted by alleged financial, procurement, and accountability infractions levelled against Akpagu.
Usman requested that the EFCC obtain and examine all procurement records for the period in question. A copy of the acknowledgement letter, received by the anti-graft agency on September 22, 2026, was made available to newsmen. The petition was submitted on behalf of concerned Nigerians who questioned the manner in which contracts and public funds were expended under Akpagu's administration. Usman stated that her clients briefed her on several allegations against Akpagu that were never conclusively investigated by any law enforcement agency.
The allegations against Akpagu are contained in the Presidential Visitation Panel Report/White Paper on the University of Calabar for the period 2016–2020. The report raises serious questions concerning compliance with public procurement requirements, financial controls, project execution, and accountability for funds entrusted to the university. According to Usman, the Federal Ministry of Education publicly lists the University of Calabar 2016–2020 Visitation Panel White Paper among the Federal Government’s visitation reports.
The published visitation report identifies Akpagu as Vice-Chancellor during the relevant period and raises concerns relating to due-process compliance and numerous uncompleted TETFund and NEEDS Assessment projects. Akpagu is now the 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency of Cross River State. Usman's petition is calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged infractions.
The EFCC has been urged to take immediate action on the petition and investigate Akpagu's administration. The anti-graft agency has been battling corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria, and this petition is another case added to their list. The University of Calabar has been a focal point of attention in recent times due to the allegations of financial mismanagement.
The petition has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, who are calling for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. Many have expressed concern about the level of corruption in the country's institutions and the need for leaders to be accountable for their actions. The EFCC's response to the petition is being awaited.
The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the next line of action. If the allegations are found to be true, Akpagu may face severe consequences, including prosecution. The investigation will also serve as a deterrent to other public officials who may be engaging in similar acts of corruption.
Key points
- The EFCC has been urged to investigate Akpagu's administration over alleged financial and procurement infractions.
- The allegations against Akpagu are contained in the Presidential Visitation Panel Report/White Paper on the University of Calabar for the period 2016–2020.
- The petition has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, who are calling for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
