UNN Reacts To Viral Video Of Staff Member Collecting Money From Freshers, Bans Cash Fee Collection

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has responded to a viral video showing a staff member from its Faculty of Agriculture collecting money from first-year students.

The video, widely circulated on social media, shows the staff member demanding N16,000 from new students in exchange for clearance documents.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer, Dr. Okwun Omeaku, the university clarified that the money being collected was for faculty-related levies and dues to the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS).

The statement noted that although the collections were made on the directive of the Faculty of Agriculture administration, how the funds were received, outside the university’s approved payment channels, did not meet institutional standards.



“We wish to state that the University of Nigeria does not condone extortion or unethical behaviour by its staff or students. The University has a reputation for its commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in all its operations,” the statement noted.



“We have identified the individual shown in the video. He acted under the directive of the Faculty of Agriculture administration to collect fees related to the faculty and student association obligations. Specifically, the money he was seen collecting covered the faculty levy and the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS) dues.”

“While his intention was not to extort the first-year students, the method of collection, conducted outside the standard payment channels of banks, falls short of the University’s fee collection standards,” Omeaku said.

To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, the university has directed all faculties, departments, and centers to collect approved fees exclusively through designated banks or official university payment platforms.

According to Dr. Omeaku, this directive is intended to reinforce proper financial procedures and promote transparency in all transactions.

He reiterated the university’s commitment to upholding accountability, transparency, and ethical standards in its operations.



“The University of Nigeria remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct,” the statement read.

The management assured the public that it would take action against any staff member who exploits students.