The House of Representatives has launched a probe into alleged financial irregularities at the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Abuja, an institution that hasn’t operated academically in over a decade but still receives government funding.
At the heart of the investigation is a directive summoning the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, to explain the ongoing budget allocations to the college, despite its shutdown since 2010.
The probe, led by the House Committee on Speciality Healthcare, was triggered by petitions alleging misuse of public funds by officials linked to the college and the Federal Ministry of Health. Lawmakers are also questioning why the institution remains dormant despite the passage of a 2021 Act that legally backs its operations.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Alex Egbona, didn’t mince words. He pointed out that the college continues to draw millions from the national budget, raising serious concerns, especially given its non-functional status. The investigation also aims to understand the role of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in suspending the college’s academic programmes and whether the Ministry has acted in breach of the 2021 establishment law.
Lawmakers are now demanding transparency, particularly from the ministry tasked with overseeing the institution. As part of the ongoing inquiry, the Health Minister is expected to provide clear answers on the financial trail and future of the college.
