The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has once again found itself in the spotlight — not for academic excellence this time, but for a bold stance against corruption in its admission process. In a dramatic and decisive move, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi, exposed and ordered disciplinary action against a staff member allegedly involved in admission racketeering.
This incident has sparked renewed discussions about the integrity of Nigerian university admissions and the bold steps needed to sanitize the system.
The Incident: How It All Began
The staff member in question, Mr. Kenneth Nnaji, who works in the Personnel Unit (Statistics) of the Registry Department, was accused of collecting a whopping ₦400,000 from the mother of a prospective student. According to reports, Mr. Nnaji promised to help the candidate secure admission into the Faculty of Medicine — one of the most competitive programs in the university.
When that promise appeared shaky, he allegedly changed the story, assuring the candidate’s family of admission into Nursing Science, another highly sought-after course. However, things took a turn when the prospective student’s mother noticed inconsistencies in his promises. After several failed attempts to reach him — as he allegedly stopped picking her calls — she became suspicious and escalated the matter directly to the Acting Vice-Chancellor.
The Crackdown: Acting VC Steps In
Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi wasted no time in addressing the case. Determined to uphold transparency and accountability, she convened a high-level meeting where Mr. Nnaji was confronted in the presence of top university officials, including:
- The Chief Safety Officer
- The Chief Legal Officer
- The Public Relations Officer (PRO)
During the session, the accused staff member reportedly admitted to the offense, confirming the allegations against him. The matter has since been handed over to the university’s disciplinary committee, where appropriate sanctions will be determined.
“Admission is Free” – University’s Official Stand
In her address, Prof. Arinze-Umobi reiterated that admission into UNIZIK is free and purely merit-based. She stressed that no staff member, no matter their position, has the authority to sell admission slots to desperate candidates or their families.
Her words serve as a powerful reminder to both students and parents: genuine admission can only be secured through the official channels — via the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the university’s official portals.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
This case is more than just one staff member caught in the act — it represents a much deeper issue within Nigeria’s education sector. Admission racketeering has been a persistent challenge in many universities and polytechnics across the country. Unscrupulous individuals exploit the desperation of parents and students, offering fake admission slots in exchange for huge sums of money.
Key Concerns Raised by This Case:
- Erosion of Meritocracy
- When admissions are sold, deserving candidates who worked hard to meet cut-off marks are unfairly displaced.
- Financial Exploitation of Families
- Many parents, desperate to secure admission for their children, fall prey to such fraudulent schemes, sometimes using life savings or loans.
- Reputational Damage to Institutions
- Cases like this tarnish the image of universities, raising doubts about their integrity and fairness.
- Systemic Corruption in Education
- Admission racketeering is part of a broader web of corruption that undermines confidence in Nigeria’s higher education system.
Lessons for Students and Parents
This incident should serve as a wake-up call to both prospective students and their families. Here are some vital takeaways:
- Never Pay for Admission: Genuine admission into Nigerian universities is free after completing JAMB and the school’s screening. Anyone demanding money is a fraudster.
- Verify Information from Official Channels: Always rely on JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) and the school’s official website for authentic updates.
- Report Suspicious Activities: Just as the parent in this case did, students and guardians should boldly report any suspicious offers to the university authorities.
- Be Patient and Diligent: Admission into competitive courses like Medicine, Nursing, and Law is tough. Meeting the required cut-off marks and performing well in Post-UTME or screening remains the only legitimate route.
The Way Forward
UNIZIK’s bold action under Prof. Arinze-Umobi sets a strong example for other institutions. If consistently enforced, such crackdowns could gradually reduce admission racketeering nationwide.
Some practical steps that can further strengthen the process include:
- Digital Transparency: Ensure all admissions are processed strictly through JAMB CAPS without any manual interference.
- Whistleblower Protection: Encourage students and parents to report racketeers without fear of victimization.
- Stricter Sanctions: Offending staff should face severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal and legal prosecution, to serve as deterrents.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Universities should regularly sensitize the public that admission is free and cannot be bought.
