Rivers federal varsity warns against sex-for-grades extortion
Port Harcourt — The Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET), Koroma/Saakpenwa, in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, has issued a strong warning against sex-for-grades, extortion and all forms of student exploitation, declaring a zero-tolerance stance as the institution begins its academic journey.
The warning was delivered by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Don Baridam, during the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony and Founders’ Day lecture, a landmark event marking the formal entry of FUET’s pioneer students into the Nigerian university system.
Baridam said the university would not condone any conduct capable of undermining its integrity, stressing that sex-for-grades and extortion have no place in a serious academic environment. He warned that any lecturer or non-teaching staff found exploiting students, whether financially or sexually, would face immediate dismissal.
According to him, FUET is being built as a citadel of excellence, and its image must be protected from the very beginning. He noted that new institutions have a unique opportunity to define their values early, and that the university’s leadership would not hesitate to act decisively against anyone who brings shame to the institution.
“The reputation of this university is paramount,” Baridam said. “Any lecturer or staff member involved in extortion, sex-for-grades or any act that tarnishes the image of this institution will be shown the way out. This will not be tolerated under my watch.”
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The Pro-Chancellor urged members of staff to see the pioneer students as their own children and guide them with integrity, professionalism and discipline. He cautioned against the sale of handouts, intimidation of students, and the abuse of authority, describing such practices as corrosive to learning and destructive to trust.
The Rivers federal varsity warning against sex-for-grades and extortion comes amid growing national concern over academic misconduct in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Over the years, reports of lecturers demanding money or sexual favours in exchange for grades have triggered public outrage and calls for stricter enforcement of ethical standards in universities.
Baridam made it clear that FUET intends to break away from that negative culture. He said the institution would combine strict disciplinary measures with high academic expectations, adding that staff members are expected to be productive scholars with verifiable research outputs.
He warned that lecturers who fail to meet academic benchmarks, including active research engagement and scholarly publications, would also face consequences. According to him, poor academic culture often creates fertile ground for misconduct, and FUET would not compromise on quality.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Chinedu Mmom, reinforced the message in his address to the matriculating students. He told the new undergraduates that FUET was not only established to award degrees but to mould character and produce graduates who can compete globally.
Mmom warned students against social vices such as cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing and violence, stressing that the university’s rules are clear and would be enforced without fear or favour. He reminded them that admission into the institution came with responsibilities, including respect for authority, adherence to rules and personal discipline.
He said the Rivers federal varsity warning against sex-for-grades and extortion also serves to assure students and parents that the institution is committed to providing a safe and fair learning environment where success is earned on merit.
At the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that over 1,200 pioneer students had completed registration and were formally matriculated into various programmes across the university’s faculties. These include Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Natural and Applied Sciences, Allied Health Sciences and Management Technology.
Observers say the strong stance taken by FUET’s leadership is significant, particularly for a new federal institution still in its formative years. By openly declaring that sex-for-grades and extortion will attract severe sanctions, the university is setting expectations early for both staff and students.
Education analysts, however, note that warnings alone are not enough. They argue that effective enforcement will depend on transparent reporting channels, protection for whistle-blowers and consistent disciplinary action when allegations arise. The credibility of the Rivers federal varsity warning against sex-for-grades and extortion will therefore be tested by how the university responds to future complaints.
For now, the message from FUET is unmistakable. The institution is drawing a clear line between acceptable conduct and abuse of power. As academic activities continue to take shape, students and staff alike are on notice that integrity, fairness and professionalism are non-negotiable values.
As one of Nigeria’s newest federal universities, FUET’s early decisions may shape its reputation for decades to come. Whether the zero-tolerance stance becomes a defining strength of the institution will depend on sustained leadership resolve and the willingness to act when standards are breached.
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