Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A civil society organisation, Tracka, has formally called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the utilisation of N296.4 million in public funds for the construction and equipping of an Information and Communication Technology and Computer-Based Test Centre at Claretian University, a private institution in Imo State. The organisation raised concerns over the rationale behind deploying such a significant amount of public money to a private facility, especially against the backdrop of what it described as critical infrastructure deficits affecting public schools, health facilities and roads across Imo State.
Tracka, a civic accountability platform, disclosed that the facility, equipped with 40 HP laptops, was commissioned in November 2025. The group stated that the project was funded through a constituency project facilitated by Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who represents Imo East Senatorial District. An event page on the university's website confirms that the centre was "constructed by senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi" and commissioned on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Checks by SaharaReporters on the public payments portal, Govspend, confirmed the payment highlighted by Tracka.
In a statement, Tracka asked: "Why was N296.4 million in public funds used to construct and equip a facility within a private university when public schools, health facilities, and roads across Imo State continue to face serious infrastructure and service-delivery challenges?" The organisation subsequently called on the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the project, including its procurement process, source of funding and contract award. The group also urged the agencies to scrutinise the implementation of the project, its beneficiaries and the justification for locating a publicly funded facility in a private institution.
The call for a probe comes amid heightened scrutiny of constituency projects and the use of public funds, with Tracka having previously flagged Imo State for alleged budget irregularities. The development also follows recent disclosures by the ICPC regarding fictitious government entities and the Federal Executive Council's approval of a comprehensive forensic investigation into government processes and internal controls. As of the time of this report, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi and the management of Claretian University had not issued any public response to the allegations. The EFCC and ICPC have also not indicated whether they have commenced any formal inquiry into the matter. The organisation said its concerns were centred on accountability and the need to ensure that government projects serve the public interest.
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