“Funds Were Used For Rivers Indigenes’ Medical Education” — PAMO University Responds As Assembly Begins Probe

The Rivers State House of Assembly has constituted a seven-member Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate funds released by the state government to PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, since the institution was established in 2017.

The university, founded by former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, is a privately owned medical university and was established in 2017 as Nigeria’s first private medical university.

The investigative committee was constituted by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, pursuant to Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which empowers a House of Assembly to conduct investigations into matters within its legislative competence.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Enemi Alabo George, the committee is expected to establish the total amount of money released by the Rivers State Government to PAMO University since its establishment and determine whether the funds were utilised for the purposes for which they were provided.

The lawmakers are also seeking details of the university’s scholarship scheme, including the number and identities of beneficiaries, particularly Rivers State indigenes who may have benefited from government-sponsored medical education at the institution.

The seven-member committee is chaired by Dumle Maol, with Silvanus Nwankwo, Lemchi Nyeche, Henrietta Loolo, Peter Abbey, Napoleon Ukalikpe and Emilia Amadi serving as members.

The investigation follows the Assembly’s earlier decision not to approve the ₦6 billion earmarked for PAMO University in the Rivers State 2026 budget.

The House subsequently redirected part of the proposed allocation towards the renovation and improvement of health facilities across the state.

The Ad-Hoc Committee has been directed to complete its investigation and submit its report to the House on or before September 30, 2026.

PAMO University has, however, rejected suggestions of financial opacity surrounding funds received from the Rivers State Government.

Through its legal counsel, the university maintained that it has never avoided accountability and said funds received from the state were deployed strictly towards scholarships and the medical education of Rivers State indigenes.

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