The National Universities Commission (NUC) has defended Senator Tony Nwoye for writing to the University of Abuja to appeal for admission for five students from his constituency.
Senator Nwoye, who represents Anambra North Senatorial District, faced criticism on social media after his letter to the university’s vice-chancellor went viral.
In the letter, Nwoye requested admission for five students, some of whom scored below 200 in the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Examination (JAMB).
Critics questioned why the senator was making such a request when other candidates with higher scores were denied admission.
“Anyone Can Appeal,” Says NUC
Haruna Ajo, the spokesperson for the NUC, clarified that it is not unusual for individuals, including senators, to appeal to universities on behalf of students.
“Anyone can do that,” Ajo stated.
He explained that while the senator’s letter may draw attention to a candidate, the university’s decision must still be based on merit.
“If the student meets the admission requirements, the university can consider the appeal,” Ajo added.
He further noted that universities are not obligated to admit students who fail to meet the necessary criteria, regardless of external appeals.
Senator Nwoye Responds
Senator Nwoye defended his actions, emphasizing that his letter was a “passionate appeal” rather than a demand.
“Is it a crime that my constituents reached out to me to appeal for the students to be put on the vice-chancellor’s discretionary list?” he asked.
He explained that the students had met the basic requirements for consideration, but the final decision lay with the university.
Nwoye insisted that his appeal was made in good faith and was not tied to personal gain.
“Every university has a discretionary list. Did I collect money from them? I don’t even know them,” he said.
The senator stressed that his intervention was purely for the benefit of his constituents, none of whom were from his hometown.
Social Media Backlash
The senator’s letter sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians accusing him of interfering in the university’s admission process.
Critics argued that such appeals undermine the merit-based system and disadvantage candidates with higher scores.
Others, however, supported the senator, describing his actions as a genuine effort to help his constituents.
Details of the Letter
In his letter titled “Passionate Appeal for Admission,” Nwoye requested the university’s consideration for the following students:
- Ikwegbue Ogechukwu Esther (Civil Law)
- Cynthia Chioma Anyacho (Civil Law)
- Uchenna Emmanuel Augustine (Computer Science)
- Aginwa Sixtus Tochukwu (Public Administration)
- Princess Destiny Agogo (Medicine and Surgery)
He attached their University of Abuja undergraduate registration forms and appealed for their placement in the 2024/2025 academic session.
“As a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TetFund, I made this appeal with humility,” he stated in the letter.
Nwoye’s Justification
The senator explained that he wrote the letter in response to requests from his constituents.
“I have no regrets making that appeal,” he said.
Nwoye reiterated that his letter was not an attempt to bypass due process but rather a call for consideration under the university’s discretionary admission process.
He emphasized that only students who met the basic requirements could be placed on the discretionary list.
“They have reached the pass mark, and it is now left for the vice-chancellor to decide,” he said.
Background on University Admissions
University admissions in Nigeria are often contentious, with many candidates competing for limited slots.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Examination (JAMB) serves as the primary qualification for admission.
However, universities also reserve a small percentage of slots for discretionary admissions, which are often used to address special cases or appeals.
The controversy surrounding Senator Nwoye’s letter highlights the tension between merit-based admissions and discretionary practices.
NUC Stresses Due Process
The NUC emphasized that universities must adhere to admission guidelines to maintain transparency and fairness.
Ajo reiterated that appeals, such as Nwoye’s letter, do not guarantee admission.
“The students have to merit the admission,” he said.
