NANS says allegations of corruption, nepotism against DG NARICT Zaria untrue
By: Femi Mustapha
The apex umbrella body of all Nigerian students, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said its independent investigation revealed that the allegations of nepotism, staff victimization and corruption against Director General of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT) Zaria, Prof. Jeffrey Tsware Barminas revealed are misleading, untrue, unverified, and should therefore be ignored.
The National Secretary General of the Association, Comrade Usman Baba Kankia, asserted this during a Press Conference held in Kaduna yesterday.
Comrade Kankia said when the Association received the misconception allegations over the DG tenure in office, NANS as a responsible organization and voice of the voiceless submitted a letter to the DG/CEO seeking clarification on the allegations of tenure expiration, corruption and nepotism as well as to seek clarity that will enable NANS take decision on concrete and reliable information.
He added that while awaiting the response of the DG/CEO, we also carried out our independent findings and came to the conclusion that the allegations of nepotism, staff victimization and corruption are part and whole misleading, untrue, unverified and should therefore be ignored.
“While we are on it, the Director General responded comprehensively to the inquiry of NANS via a letter signed by the DG/CEO, responding in detail to all the allegations raised, to buttress his submission, the letter was accompanied by supporting documents and everything needed to be understood by NANS is now in clear perspective.
Prof. Jeffrey was first appointed DG via a letter from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) dated 18th April, 2017 for a period of 4years, subsequently in appreciation of his sterling performance in office, this appointment was renewed on 24th March, 2021 via a letter signed by the Honorable Minister (State) of Science and Technology.
“It is, however inconceivable for anybody to suggest that the DG is occupying the office illegally as his appointment is subsisting until the expiration of his 2nd tenure.
“Prof. Jeffrey oversaw the construction of the NARICT Nuclear, Biological and Radiological De-Contamination Laboratories fitted to treat victims of nuclear, biological and radiological attacks in Nigeria and this has the capacity to assist Nigeria detect nuclear, radioactive and biological attack on the Nation’s territory.
“The DG have upgraded and face-lifted the face of NARICT facilities such as Administrative Offices, Research Laboratories, Libraries and many more. NARICT also witness rapid transformations of the Institutions, infrastructure covering Electricity, Road network, Water Supply, Drainage and many other areas witness similar Midas touch of the innovative DG despite a shortfall in Revenue.
“It is on this note that we wish to State that NANS under our leadership will not allow ourselves to be swayed by a malicious narrative against a tested and patriotic man that has dedicated his life to the service of our dear nation.
“We are against corruption and we are committed to advocating and promoting good governance at all levels, as such we will never support corrupt elements in government.
“But where there is a clear misinformation about happenings, we owe ourselves and the society a duty to get to the bottom of the matter in order to get the facts and set the records straight.
“It is due to some of the reasons enumerated above that NANS as a body of all Nigerian Students decided to pass a ‘Vote of Confidence’ on the leadership of Prof. Barminas for his exemplary leadership and track record of performance, we also call on the government to allocate more resources and pay great attention to the needs of critical institutions like the National Research Institution for Chemical Technology.” He said
