The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna, Niger State, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, has emphasised the importance of adhering to the Freedom of Information, FOI Act, stating that it helps to clear suspicions and promote transparency in the institution’s operations.
Prof Kuta made this remark while opening a one-day training for deans and directors of centres, organised by the FOI Unit of FUT Minna in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice at the Gidan-Kwano campus.
The VC also highlighted that, against this background, the university ensures that its income and expenditures are published weekly in the university’s newsletter for transparency and accountability.
He also explained that the training would focus on improving service delivery and addressing issues affecting students, lecturers and the host community.
According to him, “The workshop is on FOI Bill as provided from the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria which contains the law guiding the operation of our university. When the FOI is in place, things become easy. This is because lack of information can lead to suspicions and with it in place, everyone will freely key into the vision and mission of the university. And, FUT Minna yearns for transparency and accountability in its activities to improve our service to humanity.”
Prof Kuta then urged the participants to be open-minded and share opinions on the FOI Bill to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.
Earlier, Evelyn P. Hussaini, Head of the FOI Unit of FUT, noted the university’s commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the training would enhance participants’ understanding of the FOI Act and promote best practices.
In her keynote presentation, Mariah Obafemi from the Ministry of Justice provided an overview of the FOI Act, noting that no legal justification is required to request information from government institutions.
She also stated that refusal to provide access to information could result in a fine of N500,000.
Obafemi commended FUT Minna for being the first university in the country to comply with Section 13 of the FOI Act, highlighting its clear process for handling FOI requests and promoting transparency in its operations.
