Rights group names UNN, UNIZIK in call for investigation; says allegations remain unverified
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an urgent investigation into allegations that prospective medical students were asked to pay between **₦1.5 million and ₦4 million** to secure admission into universities in the South-East.
The allegations reportedly involve the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). HURIWA urged the National Universities Commission (NUC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Federal Ministry of Education and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to establish what happened.
The claims have not been independently verified. HURIWA said they do not, on their own, prove wrongdoing by either university or any individual, but argued that the reported sums and alleged admission irregularities demand a transparent inquiry.
“**A candidate should not have to wonder whether the deciding factor was academic merit—or the ability to pay,**” the group said in a statement.
One account attributed to a parent alleges that a candidate who scored 315 in UTME and had strong O’Level results was denied admission to study Medicine and Surgery at UNIZIK, but offered Biochemistry. The parent reportedly claimed that students with lower UTME scores were admitted to the medical programme.
The account further states that the candidate later retook JAMB, scored 270 and gained admission to study Medicine at a university in Northern Nigeria.
Separately, Alex Onyia reportedly alleged that candidates seeking medical admission at UNN were being asked to pay between ₦1.5 million and ₦4 million.
HURIWA called on the NUC to review admission criteria and how they were applied, and urged JAMB to examine relevant admission data. It also asked UNN and UNIZIK to cooperate with any inquiry, preserve records and explain their selection procedures.
The group urged the ICPC to investigate any credible evidence of unofficial payments, bribery or abuse of office within its mandate. It said that if wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face prosecution and disciplinary action.
HURIWA acknowledged that admission decisions may depend on several published criteria and said UTME scores alone may not explain every outcome. It called for the universities to clarify how candidates were assessed and whether any payments beyond official fees were demanded.
The allegations raise questions about the transparency of admission to highly competitive medical programmes. HURIWA said the authorities should establish the facts and make their findings public.
If the allegations are false, transparent evidence can dispel them. If they are true, those responsible must be exposed and held accountable,” the group said.