AE-FUNAI Lecturer Accused of Extorting Student, Fails to Deliver Promised Result

A lecturer in the Mass Communication department at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, AE-FUNAI, Oscar Chima, stands accused of allegedly collecting N30,000 from a final year female student in exchange for facilitating her passing the MAC 321 course( Photo journalism)

What Happened?

The student’s identity remains undisclosed, as reported by ASIWAJU MEDIA, which obtained leaked WhatsApp conversations between her and Mr Oscar. 

The leaked chats revealed a distressing narrative wherein the student allegedly raised funds independently, only to be met with the bitter disappointment of failing the course despite the financial transaction. 

This incident has raised serious concerns about academic integrity and ethical conduct within the institution.

Efforts by Asiwaju Media to reach out to the victim, who is in her final year in AE-FUNAI, were unsuccessful. 

However, speculation suggested that the fear of facing an additional academic year may have contributed to her reluctance to speak out against the alleged extortion. This highlights the power dynamics and fear of reprisal that students may experience when confronting such abuses of authority.

Lecturer Responds to Accusations

Mr Chima has denied allegations levelled against him by a student, asserting that he merely sought to assist the student in improving her academic standing. 

He clarified that the student’s results accurately reflected her performance, which unfortunately resulted in a failing grade.

According to Mr Chima, the student approached him after her failed visit to the university’s ICT system, hoping to amend her grade. Despite his efforts to aid her, the outcome remained unchanged.

Expressing disappointment at the student’s public disclosure of the matter, Mr Chima highlighted his willingness to support her, despite the unsuccessful outcome. 

He emphasised that rather than appreciating his efforts, the student opted to publicly discuss her academic challenges.

“Your friend failed her course, her results were properly uploaded with the F.”

“She came seeking help via the ICT to see if it could be changed, which proved abortive.”

“Instead of her being appreciative of even me trying to help   after listening to her stories, she decided to expose herself to the entire world that she normally sorts her courses.”

A Call to Investigate

ASIWAJU MEDIA is urging the university (AE-FUNAI) leadership led by the Vice-Chancellor , Professor Sunday Oge Elom,  to investigate allegations against Mr Chima. 

However, this incident underscored the urgent need for robust measures to safeguard students against exploitation and ensure transparency and accountability in academic processes.

As the investigation unfolds, we are calling for a thorough inquiry into the matter and appropriate disciplinary action against any individuals found guilty of misconduct. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the reputation and credibility of the institution.

WHO IS OSCAR T. Chima 

Oscar Tochukwu  Chima is a lecturer with the Department of Mass Communication, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike. 

He hails from Ezza Local Government in Ebonyi State,Nigeria.

His research areas include ICT and new media, development communication and public relations.