19th June, 2012
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State has cancelled its post-UTME screening following an alleged leakage of examination question papers and alleged rape of some female candidates.
The screening exercise had commenced 18 June.
A candidate who pleaded anonymity told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka on Tuesday that candidates for medicine and surgery stayed up till mid-night on Monday writing the examinations at the Margaret Ekpo Convocation Hall.
“We were there up till midnight writing the exam. Some of us were tired and hungry as we had no chance to go out to eat. This morning, some candidates have already seen the question papers for the examination. Some persons were going around collecting N500 from candidates and giving them examination question papers,” she said.
The candidate claimed that she heard that some female candidates were raped because they were stranded after the examinations, and they had no where to sleep.
“I heard that some female candidates were raped, but I did not see any victim myself. That was the rumour everywhere,” she said.
Contacted, Professor Malachy Okwueze, the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), confirmed the cancellation of the screening over alleged examination malpractice.
“Yes, the UNN post-UTME has been cancelled and new date will be announced very soon. The management will be holding a meeting today after which a new date will be announced. We are not comfortable with some of the alleged things that happened. I was in my office up till midnight because of the examinations on Monday,’’ he said.
Okwueze said the university regretted any inconvenience the cancellation would cause the candidates and their parents.
On the issue of rape of some female candidates, Okwueze said he heard the rumour, adding that no victim has presented herself.
“I have heard something like that; but nobody has presented herself as a victim. However, the university is going to investigate the allegation,” he said.