Following a thorough investigation, two prominent civil society organizations-the Movement for Better Nation (MBN) and the Good Governance Campaigners Network (GGCN)-have categorically refuted claims of corruption and inefficiency leveled against Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College (FCCO) in Oji River, Enugu State.
The inquiry was initiated after a report implicated the college in allegations of project duplication. To verify these claims, the organizations conducted an on-site assessment, examining the institution and all associated project locations mentioned in the report.
In a joint press release issued in Enugu by Comrade Emmanuel Ailemen, the coordinator for both groups, it was clarified that the evidence gathered unequivocally cleared Dr. Obidiegwu of any wrongdoing. The accusations linking him and FCCO to project duplication were described as “utterly unfounded,” with the projects in question identified as legitimate Constituency Projects currently underway.
Ailemen emphasized that the findings led the organizations to express full confidence in Dr. Obidiegwu’s leadership. Beyond disproving the fraud allegations, they highlighted his remarkable efforts in transforming FCCO from an institution lacking essential educational infrastructure into a thriving center for academic growth and professional development.
The statement further noted that the positive changes at FCCO under Dr. Obidiegwu’s guidance resonate strongly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The groups urged the public to focus on verifiable facts rather than unfounded accusations regarding the Provost’s performance or integrity.
“Initially, we were alerted to claims of project duplication involving the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, under Dr. Obidiegwu’s administration. Our investigation, however, confirms these allegations are baseless and misleading,” the statement read.
“We discovered that the projects cited were actually awarded to communities in Akwa Ibom State and are part of ongoing Constituency Projects at various stages of completion,” it added.
“Importantly, none of these projects are situated within the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River. The inclusion of the college’s name in the duplication allegations was a clear error,” the groups clarified.
Regarding FCCO’s progress under Dr. Obidiegwu’s stewardship, the organizations commended his leadership for driving significant infrastructural advancements within just one year of his tenure.
“Our observations confirm that Dr. Obidiegwu’s visionary leadership has elevated the college’s profile, making it an attractive option for prospective students seeking quality tertiary education,” the statement affirmed.
“The reforms he has implemented have positioned FCCO ahead of many peer institutions nationwide,” it continued.
“We encourage Dr. Obidiegwu to persist in his commendable efforts and not be discouraged by detractors. We stand firmly behind his administration,” the release concluded.
“Dr. Obidiegwu has our unequivocal endorsement, and we call on him to disregard the baseless accusations propagated by those opposed to progress,” the groups affirmed.
