Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
Northwest University, Sokoto (NWUS), has raised the alarm over a fraudulent admission notice circulating on social media, warning prospective students, parents and guardians against falling prey to individuals seeking to exploit the desperation of admission seekers.
The university, through its Directorate of Communications, Public Affairs and Protocol, disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday that the circulating notice falsely claimed that the institution had released its 2026/2027 first and second batch admission lists.
According to the university, the fake publication directs unsuspecting applicants to telephone number 07073682223, where an individual identified as “Dr Mrs Mary” allegedly claims to assist applicants in checking their admission status, processing clearance, paying school fees and securing admission in subsequent batches.
NWUS described the publication as fraudulent, unauthorized and completely unrelated to the university, warning members of the public not to rely on the information or engage with those behind the scheme.
The institution said the development was particularly worrisome because the perpetrators appeared to be taking advantage of the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding admission decisions to target applicants and their families.
It stressed that its admission process does not involve private arrangements with individuals, maintaining that no person has been authorized to use a personal telephone number to offer admission, process clearance, collect school fees or guarantee placement.
The university consequently urged prospective students to disregard the telephone number contained in the fake notice and refrain from transferring money or disclosing personal, financial or admission-related information to unauthorized individuals.
It further warned applicants to be suspicious of anyone claiming to have exclusive access to admission lists or promising to facilitate clearance, guarantee admission or secure placement in exchange for payment.
NWUS said such claims should be treated as potential fraud unless they are independently verified through the university’s officially recognized communication channels.
The institution assured applicants and the general public that all genuine information concerning admissions, including the release of admission lists, admission procedures, school fees and other requirements, would be communicated through its authorized channels.
It also appealed to parents and guardians to educate their children and wards about the dangers of dealing with unverified admission agents, particularly as fraudsters increasingly use social media platforms and telephone communication to prey on unsuspecting admission seekers.
For verification and clarification, the university advised members of the public to contact it directly through its official telephone line, 0704-269-9999, rather than relying on personal accounts, unofficial social media groups or unidentified admission agents.
NWUS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent, credible and accountable admission process, while assuring applicants that measures were being taken to protect them and their families from fraudulent activities capable of causing financial losses and undermining confidence in the institution.
The university therefore urged the public to treat the circulating admission notice as fake, emphasizing that the quest for admission should not become an opportunity for fraudsters to exploit the hopes, fears and financial resources of students and their families.
