Mzuzu University on Auditor General radar over K1 billion misuse
The Auditor General (AG)’s office has launched an investigation over alleged misappropriation of K1 billion meant for the refurbishment of the Mzuzu University (Mzuni) library.
In a letter dated September 1, 2022, addressed to the office of the Vice Chancellor at Mzuni, the AG indicates that he received the complaint through the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Auditors from the office stormed the institution on Monday, September 5, 2022, and they are expected to leave on Friday.
“My office received a complaint through the Anti- Corruption Bureau that there was an expenditure of one billion Kwacha for the refurbishment of the University’s library but very little was done on the ground,” reads the letter in part, signed by Thomas Makiwa, acting Auditor General.
The Auditor General’s office spokesperson Rabson Kagwamminga confirmed the development but asked for a questionnaire to provide detailed information, which he never did until press time.
There was no immediate comment from Mzuni after we made several attempts to engage its officials.
But sources close to the probe indicated that this was money that the government gave the higher learning institution following a fire that razed down Mzuni’s library in 2015.
The money was supposed to be used for the purchase of several equipment that would have helped turn the institution’s recreation hall and cafeteria into a makeshift library.
“The complainant alleges that the materials that were bought were way too little considering the money that was released by the government,” our source said.
After the library inferno, Mzuni lost nearly 50 000 books and almost 100 computers. The government is constructing a K7 billion three-storey library and auditorium complex expected to be able to take on board 5,000 students and staff at a go.
Meanwhile, the AG has also instituted an audit query into how K2.4 billion was used at
Mombera University where there are no major works.
