The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has reacted to a viral clip that detailed a staff member collecting N16,000 from fresh intakes at the Faculty of Agriculture in exchange for clearance documents.
Conveying its message in a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer, Dr. Okwun Omeaku, the university clarified that the money being collected was not for personal gain, as misinterpreted by members of the public, but for faculty-related levies and dues to the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS).
The management of the institution also noted that although the collections were made on the directive of the Faculty of Agriculture administration, the manner in which the funds were received, outside the universityโs approved payment channels, did not meet institutional standards.
“We wish to state that the University of Nigeria does not condone extortion or unethical behaviour by its staff or students. The University has a reputation for its commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in all its operations,” the statement noted.
“We have identified the individual shown in the video. He acted under the directive of the Faculty of Agriculture administration to collect fees related to the faculty and student association obligations. Specifically, the money he was seen collecting covered the faculty levy and the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS) dues.โ
“While his intention was not to extort the first-year students, the method of collection, conducted outside the standard payment channels of banks, falls short of the Universityโs fee collection standards,” Omeaku said.
The management has equally noted that forthwith, faculties, departments, and centers should collect approved fees exclusively through designated banks or the institution’s official payment platforms.
Emphasizing on the commitment of the school, the management mentioned:
“The University of Nigeria remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct,” the statement read.
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