The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for an urgent, independent investigation into allegations that prospective medical students were asked to pay between ₦1.5 million and ₦4 million to secure admission at universities in the South-East.
The claims reportedly involve the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). They have not been independently verified and do not, on their own, establish wrongdoing by either university or any individual. But their seriousness demands clear answers from the institutions and the authorities responsible for overseeing admissions.
National Coordinator of the Association Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko in a statement quoted One account circulated by Alex Onyia alleges that candidates seeking admission to study Medicine at UNN were asked to pay millions of naira.
In a separate account, a parent said a candidate who scored 315 in UTME and had strong O’Level results was denied admission to Medicine and Surgery at UNIZIK, while candidates with lower reported scores were admitted.
The parent said the candidate later retook JAMB, scored 270 and gained admission to study Medicine at a university in Northern Nigeria without paying anyone to facilitate the process.
Admission decisions may involve criteria beyond UTME scores, and the universities should be given the opportunity to explain how their rules were applied. But candidates and parents are entitled to know whether those rules were followed—and whether anyone demanded unofficial payments.
HURIWA therefore calls on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to review the medical admission processes at the institutions named in the reports, including their published criteria, admission records and any complaints received. JAMB should examine the relevant data and clarify whether the reported disparities are consistent with the official selection requirements.
The Federal Ministry of Education must ensure the allegations receive prompt attention, while the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should assess any credible evidence of bribery, abuse of office or improper influence. Investigators should establish whether intermediaries were involved and whether any university officials or external networks played a role.
Any inquiry must be impartial and evidence-based. If wrongdoing is established, those responsible should face prosecution and appropriate disciplinary action. No person or institution should be condemned before the facts are known.
The stakes extend beyond the candidates involved. If medical school places can be bought, public confidence in university admissions—and in the process of selecting and training future doctors—will be seriously damaged. Admission must be based on transparent standards applied consistently, not money, influence or secret arrangements.
HURIWA also urges the NUC and JAMB to strengthen routine monitoring of admissions, particularly in highly competitive programmes such as Medicine and Surgery, and to provide accessible channels for candidates to report suspected irregularities.
The authorities must investigate the allegations, publish their findings and act on the evidence. **If admission slots were sold, those responsible must be held accountable. If the allegations are unfounded, a credible inquiry should establish that. Nigerians deserve answers.