War On Corruption: Enugu sets up special court to handle exam malpractice and failed contracts

Gov. Sullivan Chime (Photo: file)

Intensifying its bid to curb corruption in the state, the Enugu State Government said it has set up a special court to handle corrupt practices, including failed contracts and examination malpractice in the education sector.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chris Okoro told NAN in Enugu on Friday, May 8, that the action had become necessary to ensure quick dispensation of justice and eradicate all forms of corruption. According to him, the special court will also handle cases of sharp practices by staff of Ministry of Education.

Okoro said that lawyers attached to the court were currently assembling the cases for commencement of the process. He added that “if anyone is found guilty of examination malpractice, we will report it to police and the police will investigate the matter and prosecute the person because it is a criminal offence.

“We have contractors who come to the education ministry, follow due process to get contracts but fail to fulfill their part after they have been given mobilisation fund.

“That is a civil breach of contract. We have to bring them to court. The court will soon commence sitting and a chief magistrate has been assigned to it.

“We want to be sure that justice is followed in handling cases in the education sector.”

The commissioner warned workers, especially those in the education sector to be honest in their dealings to better the society. He expressed optimism that the incoming administration in the state would continue the process to eradicate corruption and transform the system. He advised teachers and students in various schools, as well as staff of the Ministry of Education to desist from acts capable of implicating themselves as the court would not hesitate in prosecuting any culprit. The commissioner, however, commended the school-based management committees recently established in schools for assisting government in providing and improving infrastructure in schools.