The Management of PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, has explained why its Vice Chancellor did not honour an invitation by the Rivers State House of Assembly, saying the university had sought the protection of the court over the legislative inquiry.
The university, in a public notice signed by its Registrar, Peter I. Akubuiroh, Esq., said the Assembly constituted an ad hoc committee on September 3, 2026, to investigate the relationship between the Rivers State Government and PAMO University of Medical Sciences.
According to the university, the inquiry followed public allegations by the Speaker that it had not been transparent in its use of funds received from the Rivers State Government and had mismanaged funds allegedly appropriated for students on state government scholarships.
PAMO said it rejected the allegations, requested their withdrawal and demanded a public apology, but that neither request was granted.
The university said that in response to the committee’s invitation, it sent an official representative on September 16, 2026.
However, PAMO alleged that the committee declined to recognise the representative, refused him audience and would not accept the letter and supporting documents he sought to submit.
The university said it subsequently sought the protection of the court after concluding that the process was intended to embarrass it rather than establish the facts.
It added that while the matter remained pending, the Rivers State House of Assembly issued a warrant for the arrest of the Vice Chancellor on September 25, 2026.
PAMO also maintained that it is a private institution and that neither the Rivers State Government nor the House of Assembly appropriates money directly to
