The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced an investigation into the disbursement and utilisation of scholarship funds allocated to PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt.
The probe is expected to establish the total amount released to the institution since the commencement of the scholarship programme and determine how the funds were utilised.
The investigation followed the Assembly’s decision to remove the N6 billion scholarship grant proposed for PAMO University from the 2026 Appropriation Law.
Presenting the preliminary report of the Ad-hoc Committee investigating the matter during the 44th Legislative Sitting on Monday, its Chairman, Dumle Maol, disclosed that invitation letters had been sent to the Vice-Chancellor of PAMO University, the Rivers State Ministry of Education and other relevant parties.
Maol said the invitations were issued pursuant to Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and other relevant laws.
He added that the committee was awaiting the appearance of those invited to provide information and documents relevant to the investigation.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, directed the committee to conduct the exercise diligently and ensure fair hearing for all parties.
Amaewhule stressed that the Assembly had constitutional powers to summon persons and demand documents required in the course of its investigation.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has adopted the recommendation of its Committee on Public Petitions to initiate a bill for the re-establishment of the Government Sea School, Isaka.
The decision followed consultations with relevant stakeholders on the proposed legislation.
The bill, when initiated, is expected to update the mandate of the institution in line with contemporary maritime standards and the growing demands of the blue economy.
The move is also aimed at repositioning the institution to respond more effectively to developments in the maritime sector.
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