The National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, has debunked an online publication by one 'Secrets Reporter' alleging that the institute's Executive Director/CEO Dr. Yakubu Dashe Gunya, awarded contracts worth N 1. 56 billion without the Governing Council approval.

In the report titled 'Federal College in Plateau Spent ₦1.56 Billion on Contracts Without Governing Council Approval' on 30/10/2026, Secrets Reporters said that as questions emerge over the circumstances surrounding the contracts, a transparent review of the process would help clarify the issues, protect public trust, and reinforce the institution’s commitment to its educational and public service mandate.

Reacting to the allegation, the institute said that the report is mischievous and factually incorrect, stressing that the institute has no governing council in place.

The reaction which was via a rejoinder was made available to newamen on Monday by  NVRI Press and Protocol Officer, Wumbuet Charles, on behalf of the Executive Director/CEO. 
 

"The attention of the National Veterinary Research Institute,Vom has been drawn to a publication by Secrets Reporter titled "Federal College in Plateau spent N 1.56 billion on contracts without Governing Council approval"  on 30/10/2026 alleging that the Executive Director CEO of the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom,Dr. Yakubu Dashe Gunya, awarded contracts worth N 1. 56 billion without the Governing Council.

"We wish to categorically state that the report is false, misleading, and clear misrepresentation of facts.

"For the records, NVRI is not a college and Dr. Dashe Yakubu Gunya was appointed the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Veterinary Research Institute and not a Provost of any Federal College or institution.
 
"Also, there is no Governing Council in place, as the last Governing Council of the institute was inaugurated over six (6) years ago, long before the appointment of Dr. Gunya  as Executive Director CEO.

"Since the dissolution of that Council, no new Council has been constituted by the Federal Government. So, the question of bypassing Council therefore, does not arise. In the absence of Council, all approvals are routed through the Parastatals Tenders Board and Ministerial Tenders Board.

"Again, Dr. Gunya is only three Months in Office as the Executive Director/CEO. It is, therefore, practically impossible and logically incorrect to attribute contracts worth N 1.56 billion to his nascent administration. No contracts of such magnitude have been awarded under his leadership," the rejoinder partly read.

The Press and Protocol Officer further explained that the contracts being referenced ,if at all, fall within the period of previous administrations and under different approving authorities, and that any attempt to link them to Dr. Gunya is a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation.

On Financial Prudence, Charles pointed out that Dr. Gunya since assumption of office has been focused on repositioning the Institute for its core mandate of research, vaccine production, disease surveillance and manpower development, with prudent management of public funds and strict adherence to transparency and due process. 

He stressed that their books are audited by external auditors and the office of the Auditor General of the Federation.

Charles then urged the publishers of Secrets Reporters to adhere to the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication, and then demand a retraction of the defamatory report.

Furthermore, the Officer urged the general public to disregard any insinuation of financial impropriety and assured their supervisory ministry ,ARCN, their stakeholders, as well as their host community that the institute under the stewardship of Dr. Dashe remains committed to accountability.

He added that the institute welcomes any lawful oversight by the National Assembly and anti corruption agencies to any lawful scrutiny, as their records are intact and verifiable.