The Acting Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Lar Patricia Manko, has issued a stern warning to Nigerian parents and guardians, urging them to desist from paying money to influence their children’s admission into the institution. She described the practice as illegal, exploitative, and damaging to the integrity of the university’s admission process.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Professor Manko explained that such payments not only undermine due process but also expose unsuspecting families to fraudsters and criminal syndicates.

Speaking at a media parley on Wednesday in Abuja, she revealed that more than 200 fake admissions had recently been uncovered, many linked to individuals who collected large sums from desperate candidates while falsely promising them admission.

Investigations showed that some students who believed they had secured placement later discovered their admissions were not recognised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) or by the university’s official records.

The briefing was organised to highlight achievements and challenges recorded during her six‑month tenure, which ends next month.

“When I assumed office, one of the first major issues I faced was an admission scandal involving over 200 fake admissions,” Professor Manko recounted.
“A committee was immediately set up to investigate both the immediate and remote causes, and we have since taken steps to correct the situation. Let me say clearly: there is absolutely no need to pay anyone for admission. Parents should stop this practice.”

She noted that many affected students fell victim out of ignorance and desperation, and she urged parents to guide their children to process admissions only through official JAMB channels and the university’s verified portals.

“Anyone who didn’t go through JAMB or our system is not a legitimate student here. Do not allow anyone to deceive you. If you have doubts, come to our academic office or even my office directly,” she said.

She added that steps are being taken to help affected students regularise their status, but stressed that such irregularities damage the university’s reputation.

According to Professor Manko, tackling the fraudulent admission racket was just one of several governance challenges she inherited when President Bola Tinubu appointed her to stabilise the institution earlier this year.

Beyond fighting corruption, she highlighted a series of reforms aimed at improving student welfare, such as successfully conducting the university’s first digital Students’ Union Government election—where over 5,000 students voted online—after years of student union inactivity.

“There was no handover note when I assumed office. The university was fragmented, riddled with petitions and demoralised staff. But we have worked hard to restore order and integrity,” she said.

On student empowerment, the Acting VC revealed that over 12,000 students have so far benefited from entrepreneurship initiatives, including training in business registration and practical skills.

“We established a Career Student Empowerment Centre where students learn additional skills to make them more employable. For instance, over 500 students are currently enrolled in our driving school, meaning they will graduate with driving licences and even registered companies—transforming their prospects beyond the classroom.”

She also prioritised academic staff welfare, noting that over 40 professors and associate professors recently received long‑delayed promotions, with more than 300 pending petitions on promotions and welfare currently under review.

However, she lamented the poor state of infrastructure, particularly staff housing.
“Some professors live in buildings that are unfit for habitation. When I saw the pictures, I wept. We need significant investment and strong political will to change this.”

Professor Manko further highlighted funding constraints, explaining that while the university appreciates government support, public funding alone can no longer sustain the growing demands of quality tertiary education.

“The government cannot single‑handedly fund education,” she said. “We must seek alternative revenue sources and expand our services.”

She revealed that key programmes, especially those aimed at digital learning and online access, require heavy investment in ICT infrastructure and a reliable internet backbone.

More worrying, she added, is the inconsistency in capital funding: over 80 percent of the university’s 2024 budgetary allocation has yet to be released, with no clear information on the 2025 disbursement.