Admission racket at Niger Delta University.

SIR: I write to register my dismay over the ongoing admission process in the Niger Delta University, NDU, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, in Bayelsa State. The news filtering out of the institution about the 2020/2021 admission process is not palatable and it leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

NDU was established to bridge the yawning gap deriving from the educationally-disadvantaged nature of the state, for prospective indigene students from travelling far distances to gain admission into tertiary institutions across the country.

Before this time and during the formative stages of the institution, the admission process into the school was purely based on merit and other genuine considerations. But today the opposite is the case. To gain admission to NDU is harder than gaining admission to schools abroad. Also, the process has become so cumbersome that it is no longer based on merit; rather it is on man-know-man, connections upon connections, more so, list upon lists, submitted by influential individuals, politicians, community leaders, government officials, lecturers, among others.

Of course, over two admission lists have so far been released. Within one week, two students would be admitted, thereafter, another five students. NDU keeps admitting one student at a time. The next week another three students would be admitted. Sadly, that is the truth of the matter.

The admission process in NDU has turned to a nightmare. Parents and guardians have to pass through the eye of a needle to secure admission for their children and wards as the admission process is suffused with sharp corrupt practices. Parents had to secure admission for their children by paying huge sums of money to those at the computer section to gain admission and to change courses. Therefore, the institution has become a dashed hope for prospective young students.

Our system is highly inequitable and plagued by opportunity gaps in all corners. In spite of the exorbitant school fees forced down on students by the government, NDU charges over N50,000 as acceptance fee before being allowed to register. And students are agonizing over the huge fees, as indigent students are finding it difficult to pay.

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Institutions offering admission to prospective students is for public good. Therefore, NDU’s unholy admission process is not for public good. Let admission into the institution be based on merit in order to safeguard the future and credibility of the institution.

As it is now, many poor people’s children cannot gain admission into NDU.

Owei David, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.