UNIZIK Staffer Implicated in ₦400,000 Admission Racket

Allegations of fraud have hit Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, after reports emerged that a staff member was implicated in a ₦400,000 admission racket. The case, which has gone viral on social media, has raised serious concerns over integrity in Nigeria’s higher education system and drawn widespread condemnation from students, parents, and rights groups. The controversy began when screenshots of conversations and alleged payment proofs circulated across WhatsApp groups and online student forums. The posts suggested that a UNIZIK staffer had been offering admission slots to desperate candidates for ₦400,000 each. The claims quickly gained traction, sparking heated debates over the credibility of the university’s admission process. In reaction, UNIZIK’s management reaffirmed that admission into the institution is strictly on merit and not for sale. Through its official platforms, the university cautioned applicants and parents against falling for fraudulent offers. It stressed that no staff or agent is authorised to demand payments for admission and urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the school authorities for immediate investigation and sanction. This scandal comes at a time when the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in partnership with security agencies, is intensifying efforts to clamp down on admission fraud nationwide. In recent months, several fraudsters have been arrested for producing fake admission letters and duping unsuspecting applicants. Education observers note that the recurrence of such scams underscores the need for tighter monitoring within universities to protect students from exploitation. Security operatives in Awka have also been increasing their presence around university environments, targeting criminal groups that prey on admission seekers during the new academic session. However, while reports of the ₦400,000 scam have continued to spread online, neither the police nor the UNIZIK management has officially confirmed the arrest of the accused staff member as of the time of this report. Student unions and advocacy groups have condemned the development, insisting that the university must act decisively to restore public confidence. “We cannot continue to watch as corruption undermines access to education,” one student leader remarked, calling for a transparent investigation and stern punishment for anyone found culpable. Analysts believe that desperation among applicants, coupled with limited awareness, fuels such fraudulent activities. They advise candidates and their parents to avoid dealing with individuals claiming to sell admission slots, and instead rely only on official communication from JAMB and UNIZIK. As the case continues to generate heated reactions, attention now turns to the university authorities and law enforcement agencies to confirm the facts, publish their findings, and take necessary action. For now, the incident stands as a reminder of the persistent threat of admission scams in Nigeria and the urgent need for institutions to enforce stronger accountability measures.