The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi, has ordered disciplinary action against a staff member, Mr. Nnaji Kenneth, for alleged involvement in admission racketeering.

Kenneth, who works in the Personnel Unit (Statistics) of the Registry Department, was accused of collecting ₦400,000 from the mother of a prospective student under the pretext of securing admission into the Faculty of Medicine. The scheme later shifted to Nursing Science, but the deal collapsed after Kenneth reportedly stopped responding to the woman’s calls.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Head, Information and Public Relations Officer/Protocol of the university, Mr. Louis Njelita, the matter was reported directly to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, who immediately intervened.

“When confronted, Kenneth admitted to his actions in the presence of the Chief Safety Officer, Mr. Ken Chukwurah, Chief Legal Officer, Rev. Fr. Maurice Izunwa, and the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Njelita Louis,” the statement read.

The case has since been referred to the appropriate disciplinary committee, with the university community awaiting its decision.

Prof. Arinze-Umobi reaffirmed the institution’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and warned that “admission is free”, stressing that no staff member has the authority to solicit or collect money for admission slots.

The university described the move as part of its broader crackdown on admission racketeering, adding that the decisive action would serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt similar fraudulent practices.