Students in Enugu under the platform of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have described as baseless and misleading, allegations against the Registrar of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Dr. Celine Nnebedum.
The dismissal of the allegations followed a report allegedly linking the national senate president of NANS to criticisms of the registrar during his visit to UNN.
Sources stated that though the visit was meant to honour the acting vice-chancellor, Prof. Chigbu Polycarp, with an award, it was, however , reportedly used to push negative claims against Dr. Nnebedum.
But the students why reacting to the allegations, insisted that the allegations were false and part of an agenda by individuals trying to undermine the registrar’s leadership.
“We have read with utter disappointment a circulating report of the recent visit of the National Senate President of NANS to UNN as was reported by those who seek to utilize the sincere visit of the SP to achieve other ulterior motives. It was marred by a series of unwarranted and misinformed attacks on the person of the esteemed Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Nnebedum,” the group maintained.
,Dr. Nnebedum , according to the students is a seasoned administrator known for her commitment to due process and institutional integrity—qualities that have earned her both supporters and detractors.
“While we are not unaware of the fact that the Registrar’s uncommon commitment to due process and institutional integrity has earned her both friends and foes, we strongly believe that NANS should not be used as a tool to discourage such good virtues.”
They also countered specific claims made in the said report, insisting that Dr. Nnebedum has never been under investigation by the UNN Governing Council or any relevant authorities.
“Contrary to the claims made against her, the UNN Governing Council has never found fault with her actions, let alone set up an investigative panel to probe her. This claim, like many others, is nothing but a fabricated tale designed to mislead the public and smear her image,” the statement said.
On the claim that she delayed hostel fumigation, the students explained that delays were due to standard procurement processes, not negligence or sabotage.
“The suggestion that she deliberately delayed fumigation processes within the hostels is baseless. The fumigation process, like any other procurement-driven exercise, follows due process.
Any delays were procedural and not due to any form of sabotage.”
The students also rejected allegations that Dr. Nnebedum obstructed digitization projects or imposed unfair financial penalties on students.
“The claim that the registrar intentionally obstructed the execution of digitization projects is also a deliberate falsehood. As a stickler to due process, she ensured that all contracts met the required administrative and financial regulations. If there were delays, they were due to standard bureaucratic processes that ensure transparency—not personal vendettas or sabotage.
“The idea that the Registrar sought illicit financial inducements is a laughable distortion of reality. There is no documented proof of such claims, and no legitimate investigation has ever substantiated such an accusation,” they said.
They insisted that the allegations stem from individuals who see Dr Nnebedum’s insistence on transparency as a threat to their personal interests.
