NANS clears NARICT’s DG of corruption, nepotism, illegal tenure

The apex students’ body in Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has condemned allegations of nepotism, corruption and staff victimisation against the Director General/Chief Executive of National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), Prof. Jeffrey Barminas.

Speaking in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Usman Kankia, yesterday, in Kaduna, the students’ body described the allegation as misleading, untrue and unverified.

NANS also stated that the DG’s tenure controversy should not arise, considering that Barminas was re-appointed for his second tenure of four years on March 24, 2021, and the tenure would not be expiring until 2025.

According to the statement: “There was a misconception over the tenure of Barminas, which has become a popular topic among groups and persons. NANS, as a responsible organisation and voice for the voiceless, sought clarification from the DG/CEO on the tenure expiration, as well as allegations of corruption and nepotism, to enable NANS take decision on concrete and reliable information.”

“We also carried out our independent findings, and came to the conclusion that allegations of nepotism, staff victimisation and corruption are, in part, and whole misleading, untrue, unverified and should therefore be ignored. The Director General also responded comprehensively to NANS inquiry on all the allegations, with supporting documents and other things needed for clear understanding by NANS.

“Barminas was first appointed DG through a letter from the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), dated April 18, 2017, for a period of four years. Subsequently, in appreciation of his performance in office, his appointment was renewed on March 24, 2021, through a letter signed by the Minister of State for Science and Technology. It is inconceivable for anybody to suggest that the DG is occupying the office illegally as his appointment is subsisting until expiration of his second tenure.

“Since inception of his tenure, the DG has repositioned NARICT to deliver on mandate establishing the institution to further research in chemical technology, entrepreneurship, national security, and has impacted positively on the Nigerian economy. He also took measures to actualise the mandate of NARICT.”

According to NANS, Barminas has promoted competency above sectarian consideration and primordial sentiment, gave NARICT staff members equal opportunity, worked towards national unity and cohesion, and ensured construction of NARICT nuclear, biological and radiological de-contamination laboratories fitted to detect and treat victims of nuclear, biological and radiological attacks in Nigeria.”