UNN to probe extortion of PG students

From Felix Ikem, Nsukka

The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has said it would probe the alleged extortion of postgraduate students, insisting that the institution upholds stringent ethical standards for both staff and students.
The university was reacting to a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), accusing certain individuals of extorting postgraduate students in the institution’s Department of Political Science.
In a statement issued yesterday, signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer, Chief Okwun Omeaku, the university said it will conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of extortion in the Department of Political Science. The statement urged the affected students to cooperate with the process by providing evidence that would aid in identifying the culprits.
“The management of the University of Nigeria has taken notice of the viral post on X (formerly Twitter), accusing certain individuals with criminal inclinations of extorting postgraduate students in our Department of Political Science. 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.
“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.
“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 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 UNN management will conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of extortion in our Department of Political Science. We urge the affected students to cooperate with the process by providing evidence that will aid in identifying the culprits.”
The university noted that the institution is dedicated to protecting its students from the few unscrupulous elements in the institution, it, however, encouraged students to always report their grievances to the appropriate authorities in the university.
“The management of UNN is dedicated to protecting our students from the misconduct of a few bad eggs. However, we encourage our students to, first, report their grievances to the university administration through the appropriate communication channel established to safeguard the complainant”.