By Our Correspondent
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), Prof. Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi, has moved decisively against admission racketeering within the institution, ordering disciplinary action against a staff member accused of fraudulent practices.
Mr. Nnaji Nnamdi Kenneth, of the Personnel Unit (Statistics) in the Registry Department, was alleged to have collected ₦400,000 from a prospective student’s mother, with the promise of securing admission for her son into the Faculty of Medicine. The deal was later altered to an offer of admission into Nursing Science.
The case came to light after the woman, unable to reach Mr. Kenneth when he stopped answering her calls, reported the matter directly to the Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Confronted before the Chief Safety Officer, Mr. Ken Chukwurah; the Chief Legal Officer, Rev. Fr. Maurice Izunwa; and the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Louis Njelita, the accused staff reportedly admitted to the allegation.
Reaffirming the institution’s stance, Prof. Arinze-Umobi stressed that “admission is free,” warning that the university would not tolerate any attempt to undermine its admission process.
The case has since been referred to the appropriate disciplinary committee, with the university community awaiting the outcome.
Observers have welcomed the Vice-Chancellor’s firm position, describing it as a bold step towards restoring integrity and transparency in the admission process.
They expressed hope that the action would serve as a deterrent to others tempted to exploit desperate admission seekers.
