The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has identified alleged conflict-of-interest concerns involving University of Fort Hare professor with Nigerian roots, Edwin Ijeoma, a former Head of Department in the Faculty of Management and Commerce.
Ijeoma registered a company, ISDMN, in which he was a director and shareholder, and authorised university payments to the company.
According to the SIU findings, Ijeoma authorised or facilitated payments to ISDMN for alleged services under Project 290.
The amount cited as authorised or paid between 1 September 2011 and 21 June 2021 was R4 187 169.05. The total amount reportedly paid to ISDMN was R5 049 199.05.
The investigation also examined an allegation involving UFH official Dr Siziwe Monica Zuma, who was accused of sourcing public servants and students to enrol in UFH programmes for personal gain.
The allegation reportedly involved about 120 people from SALGA and municipalities. The SIU could not finalise this aspect after Zuma died on 11 June 2024.
The Ijeoma and ISDMN matter forms part of the broader SIU investigation into maladministration at the University of Fort Hare, including irregular appointments, procurement and related concerns.
The findings highlight the alleged conflict of interest arising from university funds being directed to a company in which a university official held a personal financial interest.