The University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka has begun an investigation into the allegations of extortion in the Department of Political Science.
Popular TV presenter, Rufai Oseni, on Tuesday posted a tip off from an affected person about the UNN debacle.
“I am currently pursuing a PhD in Political science at UNN but the fact that I am there witnessing a rot in the system is annoying,” Rufai said on behalf of the person.
“The department has a system for extortion of money from hapless and students in post graduate studies. Imagine, a PG student, those in PhD, coughing out 100k to the Head of Department (HOD) in the name of building toilet in his office.
“This money is collected by proxy, only in cash. The proxy, otherwise, class Rep, chosen by the HOD and imposed on the class would pass down information and cow the class members not to speak.
“Besides the #100k, another #35k is levied to sort lecturers and host the HOD and PG coordinator of the department.
“Still, the students are being told to brace up for #45k deal per seminar presentation. And, the big one, they must part with #500k in order to secure the topic for their final thesis.”
Reacting on Wednesday, UNN spokesman, Okwun Omeaku, said the management of the University has taken notice of the viral post on X accusing certain individuals with criminal inclinations of extorting postgraduate students in the Department of Political Science.
“The UNN management will conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of extortion in our Department of Political Science,” Omeaku said.
“We urge the affected students to cooperate with the process by providing evidence that will aid in identifying the culprits.
“It is imperative to state that the University of Nigeria strictly prohibits any form of extortion of our students, whether at the postgraduate or undergraduate levels.”
Omeaku said the institution upholds stringent ethical standards for both its faculty and students and promptly addresses any reports of extortion or other illicit activities involving any of its staff.
He added that postgraduate students at UNN are required to pay their tuition fees each academic session, as well as the external examination fees towards the conclusion of their program.
These payments, according to him, are to be made directly into the University’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), and official receipts are issued at the Bursary section of the College of Postgraduate Studies.
“The Management of UNN is dedicated to protecting our students from the misconducts of a few bad eggs,” the spokesman stated.
“However, we encourage our students to first report their grievances to the university administration through the appropriate communication channel established to safeguard the complainant.”
