Head of Department (HoD) denies tampering amid result manipulation scandal at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku

Tension is mounting at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, as students in the Mass Communication Department have accused the Head of Department (HoD), Mr Chuks Nwabudike, of manipulating examination results to push them into expensive remedial programmes.

The students, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, allege that the HoD is withholding the results of National Diploma II and Higher National Diploma II students, forcing them to register for remedial examinations without being shown their actual scores.

When contacted, the HoD denied the allegations, insisting that he lacks the authority to alter results marked by other lecturers.

“I have no authority to change other lecturers’ scripts or request money. I have made efforts to ensure students receive their results promptly. As for remedial matters, I am not involved in that process and do not know what is happening,” Nwabudike said.

One student lamented, “Instead of posting results on the department’s notice board, they are being hidden. Students are then instructed to register for remedial without being shown their scores.”

They also claim that the remedial process has become a money-making venture, with each course costing N23,000. “If you have multiple courses, the fees multiply. That’s why they intentionally give low marks or alter scripts to ensure failure,” another student alleged.

Some students further accuse the HoD of tampering with lecturers’ marked scripts to increase the number of students who fail. “Even if a lecturer passes you, the HoD will supposedly remark the script to force you into remedial registration. Some students’ results are being concealed to pressure them into paying,” one student claimed.

The students are calling on the Delta State Government and regulatory agencies to intervene, describing the alleged corruption as “mind-boggling” and a serious threat to academic integrity.

The controversy has sparked heated debate within the polytechnic community, with staff and students divided over the allegations. While some believe the department is exploiting the system, others argue the claims may have been exaggerated.