A storm is brewing in Kwara State’s education sector as the Provost of the Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode, Mr. Abdulquadri Olanrewaju, faces serious allegations of exam manipulation, bribery, and abuse of office. Multiple students, staff, and insiders have come forward with claims that paint a disturbing picture of corruption and intimidation within one of the state’s most important health training institutions.
📌 Allegations of Result Manipulation
According to reports by Sahara Reporters, several students and staff have accused the Provost of altering examination results to favor certain students and punish others who refuse to “play along.” Insiders allege that some students who performed well were deliberately marked down, while those who paid bribes or had personal connections received inflated scores.
Students claim that after writing exams, their results are often tampered with before being released. Some have even alleged that results are sometimes withheld or downgraded unless they meet specific financial demands. “You can pass your exams, but if they don’t know you or you don’t comply, your result will mysteriously change to ‘fail,’” one student was quoted as saying.
💸 Bribery Allegations and Financial Extortion
Beyond exam manipulation, the Provost has been accused of demanding bribes ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 from students in exchange for passing grades. Several students shared heartbreaking stories of families struggling to raise these amounts just to ensure their children progressed to the next academic level.
In one instance, a mother reportedly borrowed money from a microfinance institution to pay the demanded amount, believing it was the only way for her child to graduate. Another student claimed they initially received a passing grade, but when the manipulation was discovered, the grade was reverted to “fail” without any refund.
This culture of bribery not only places an unfair financial burden on students and their families but also undermines the credibility of the institution’s academic standards. Nursing, being a sensitive profession tied to human life, requires honesty, hard work, and high ethical standards — all of which are threatened by such practices.
📝 Admission Irregularities and Political Influence
The scandal does not stop at examinations. Allegations also extend to the admission process. According to insiders, the Provost allegedly bypasses merit-based selection by inserting names of preferred candidates into admission lists. These candidates are said to be admitted regardless of their performance in entrance exams or their qualifications.
There are claims that the Provost influences JAMB processes and manipulates lists to favor individuals with personal or political connections. Such actions have allegedly deprived qualified candidates of admission while lowering the academic standards of the institution.
🧑🏫 Questions Over Provost’s Qualification
Another controversial aspect of this scandal is the question of the Provost’s own qualifications. Reports indicate that Mr. Olanrewaju was appointed despite not meeting the statutory requirement of holding a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. His BSc in Nursing is reportedly “in progress” through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), while a foreign degree is said to be “in view” from Malaysia.
Stakeholders argue that this falls short of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s legal requirements for the position of provost. Critics say his appointment itself is irregular and may have contributed to the lack of accountability in the institution.
⚠️ Government Panel and Alleged Cover-Up
Following several petitions from staff and students, a government panel was reportedly set up to investigate the allegations. However, according to Sahara Reporters, the panel cleared the Provost of wrongdoing but instructed him to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to “work peacefully with other staff.”
This decision has sparked outrage among many stakeholders, who believe the panel’s actions were a political cover-up rather than a sincere attempt to address the problems. Critics argue that the investigation lacked transparency and failed to address the core issues of bribery, result manipulation, and abuse of office.
📊 Implications for Academic Integrity
The allegations have serious implications for the integrity of the Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences. Nursing education demands strict adherence to merit, discipline, and ethical standards. If students are allowed to pass through bribery and manipulation, the quality of healthcare professionals graduating from the institution could be severely compromised.
Moreover, such practices erode public trust in educational institutions and discourage hardworking students who rely on merit to succeed. Over time, this can lead to a decline in the reputation of the college and affect the employability of its graduates.
📝 Calls for Action
Concerned stakeholders, including alumni, civil society organizations, and education advocates, have called on the Kwara State Government, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and other relevant authorities to take urgent action.
Their demands include:
- Conducting a fresh, independent investigation into the allegations, with full transparency.
- Protecting whistleblowers among students and staff to ensure they are not victimized.
- Reviewing the Provost’s appointment in line with legal and professional standards.
- Implementing strict oversight mechanisms to prevent further manipulation of exams and admissions.
📌 Conclusion
The unfolding scandal at the Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode, raises pressing questions about the state of accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s education system. While the allegations remain under investigation, the testimonies of students and insiders cannot be ignored.
For the sake of future nurses and the health sector at large, authorities must act decisively. Institutions that train healthcare professionals must be held to the highest standards. Any compromise on integrity in nursing education could have grave consequences for patient care, public trust, and the nation’s reputation.
If proven true, these allegations must lead to appropriate disciplinary actions and reforms that restore the college’s integrity. The future of many aspiring nurses—and the patients they will one day serve—depends on it.
Comments