By Aderogba George
An activist, Mr Tukura Kwayi, says it is not true that authorities at Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) extort students, particularly those on postgraduate programmes.
Kwayi made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, as far as he is concerned, such allegation is a fragment of imagination of unpatriotic people, were on a journey to tarnish the characters of others.
He said: “I am pursuing a doctorate degree (PhD) in the above-named department and have not been extorted nor sorted any lecturer in the department.
“I have completed my coursework, made two seminar presentations and running my thesis proposal.
“The HOD who doubles as my supervisor never asked me to pay any amount to secure the topic for my final thesis.
“The allegation that Post Graduate (PG) students in the department, particularly those of PhD must pay a sum of ₦ 500, 000 to secure a topic for their final thesis is baseless and should not be taken seriously,”
Kwayi further explained that, there existed a tradition in all universities where those whose seminar papers were approved by their various supervisors willingly contribute for refreshments during seminar presentations,
He reiterated that at no time was he asked to pay a sum of ₦ 100, 000 or any amount to the HOD through the class representative for any project or sorting of lecturers.
He, however, stressed that both PG and undergraduate students sometimes voluntarily contribute money to undertake a legacy project for the department.
“The department is well-manned by lecturers of impeccable character and proven integrity.
“I was surprised to read a malign write-up on social media from a famous media figure, capable of assassinating the character of lecturers in the department and tarnishing the image of the university as an institution of learning.
“My greatest worry is that rather than exploring the knowledge of investigative journalism to investigate the matter, the media figure is seeking public advice on the way to go on the matter.
“I respect journalists and the pen profession, but the recent allegation by a journalist is degrading journalism as a profession,” Kwayi said.
He called on those spreading rumours about the department to have a rethink and depart from such adventure of character assassination.
The NAN reports that following a viral post to X formerly twitter, the management of the university promised to investigate the extortion allegation.
“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“, said the institution’s spokesperson, Dr Okwun Omeaku recently. (NAN)