Former Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tinuade Sanda, has been fired by the company’s parent organization, West Power & Gas Limited (WPG), following allegations of corruption and falsifying academic credentials. The dismissal is effective immediately from April 17, 2024.
Sanda, who was the third woman to lead a major Nigerian electricity distribution company, had been in charge of EKEDC since March 2022. However, an internal investigation prompted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directed EKEDC to suspend all WPG staff seconded to the utility, leading to her termination.
WPG Chairman, Charles Momoh, wrote to Sanda, stating that her services are no longer required, citing compliance with the contract’s termination clause. The company has also ensured that she receives three months’ salary in lieu of notice.
Revelations about Sanda’s academic achievements have further complicated the matter. Investigations have shown that Sanda falsely claimed degrees from prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School and the University of Edinburgh. Verification by TheCable revealed that Sanda attended only a short executive education course at Harvard, contrary to her claims of a full academic degree. Similarly, the University of Edinburgh confirmed that Sanda was not an alumna, leading to further scrutiny of her educational background.
The most troubling discovery is that Sanda claimed to have a PhD from the non-existent University of Management Science and Technology in the Benin Republic. Investigations revealed that the university was unaccredited and had no online presence except for an Instagram account.
The scandal has had implications for EKEDP and WPG, casting a shadow over their management and operations. It has prompted both organizations to review their internal controls and employment protocols. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has emphasized the need for transparency and direct employment practices to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Stakeholders and customers of EKEDP are calling for stringent oversight and integrity in leadership positions to safeguard consumers’ interests and ensure reliable service delivery.