The Rivers State House of Assembly has constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the disbursement and utilisation of funds released by the state government to PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) since the institution commenced operations in 2017.
The probe follows the controversy surrounding the removal of a N6 billion budgetary provision for PAMO Medical University from the Rivers State Government’s 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The Assembly had earlier explained that the funding was removed because the university allegedly failed to account for previous funds received from the state government under a scholarship arrangement for Rivers State indigenes studying at the institution.
However, the university disputed the allegation, maintaining that the House had neither invited its management to account for the funds nor conducted an oversight visit to ascertain how the money was utilised.
The university had also threatened legal action against the Speaker, Martin Chike Amaewhule, over what it described as defamatory statements concerning its handling of government funds.
The latest development is contained in a statement issued on Thursday, August 3, 2026, by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Enemi Alabo George.
According to the statement, the Speaker constituted the seven-member ad-hoc committee in accordance with Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct an inquiry into the Rivers State Government’s financial disbursements to PUMS.
The committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol, is expected to establish the total amount of money PUMS has received from the Rivers State Government since 2017 and determine whether the funds were properly utilised for the purposes for which they were released.
It is also mandated to ascertain the number and identities of beneficiaries of the university’s scholarship scheme, if any.
Other members of the committee are Hon. Silvanus Nwankwo, Hon. Lemchi Nyeche, Hon. Henrietta Loolo, Hon. Peter Abbey, Hon. Napoleon Ukalikpe and Hon. Emilia Amadi.
The committee has been directed to submit its report to the House on or before September 30, 2026.
The controversy has generated concern among parents and students, particularly Rivers State indigenes benefiting from the scholarship scheme, as the withdrawal of the N6 billion provision could affect the continuation of their studies.
The Assembly’s inquiry is therefore expected to provide clarity on the financial relationship between the Rivers State Government and PUMS, including the amount disbursed, its utilisation and the actual number of students who have benefited from the scholarship arrangement.
It could also provide an opportunity for the university to formally respond to the allegations and present relevant records before the committee.
