The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected a proposed N6 billion allocation to PAMO University of Medical Sciences, citing concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
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The Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, shortly before the governor signed the N1.84 trillion 2026 budget into law.
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Amaewhule said the Assembly reviewed the proposed allocation after examining the university’s budget presentation and other documents submitted during the budget defence.
According to him, lawmakers were not satisfied with the explanations provided by the management of the university regarding how previous government funds allocated to the institution had been used and the results achieved.
He said the Assembly’s decision was not aimed at attacking PAMO University or questioning its role in medical education. Rather, the lawmakers were concerned about the level of accountability required when billions of naira in taxpayers’ money were being given to a private institution.
The Speaker said the Assembly wanted details on the number of Rivers State students and other beneficiaries supported through the government’s funding, as well as evidence of how the programme had helped improve the state’s healthcare workforce.
He explained that the main reason for government funding was to train doctors and other medical professionals who would eventually work in health facilities across the state.
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Amaewhule also disclosed that PAMO University did not appear before the Assembly during the budget defence despite being invited to explain its activities and account for funds received from the state government.
Following the concerns raised during the review, the Assembly reduced the amount proposed for the university and redirected part of the funds to the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board.
The Speaker said the additional funding would support the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities and bring them up to the required standard.
He maintained that the adjustment was not intended to undermine PAMO University but to ensure that government resources were directed towards areas where the Assembly believed they would have a more immediate public benefit.
Amaewhule said the legislature would continue to demand proper accountability from ministries, departments, agencies and other organisations receiving public funds.
Governor Fubara subsequently signed the N1.84 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law at the Government House ceremony.
PAMO University of Medical Sciences was established by former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili. The state government began providing financial support to the institution during the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike, who announced a N500 million grant in 2018 alongside plans to sponsor Rivers students at the university.
The funding arrangement has since become part of the wider political tensions in Rivers State, particularly amid the strained relationship between Odili, who has supported Fubara, and Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
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