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.

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

_______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation _______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion. Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating: "....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic." How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626 Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. _______________________________________________________________________