DANIEL PAUL
Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE) has warned students and members of the public about fraudulent activities, extortion and unauthorised collection of school fees, charges and levies.
All legitimate payments, including school fees, acceptance fees, hostel fees and departmental dues, are to be made only through payment gateways approved by the university.
Students and parents have also been warned against giving money to individuals who claim to represent the university or its Bursary Department.
AIFUE Payments Must Use Approved Gateways
Payments connected with Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education are required to pass through approved university payment gateways.
This requirement covers school fees, acceptance fees, hostel fees, departmental dues and other legitimate charges.
The approved payment channel is the recognized route for settling these charges. Students should confirm the payment route before money is sent.
Cash Payments to Individuals Should Be Avoided
Students and parents have been warned against paying cash to any individual who claims to collect money for the university.
The same warning applies to direct fund transfers and other payments made to:
- Individual persons
- Student representatives
- Lecturers
- Unauthorised third parties claiming to act for the university or Bursary Department
A payment request from any of these sources should be treated with caution where the transaction sits outside the approved university payment system.
The University Will Not Cover Losses From Unauthorised Payments
AIFUE has stated that it will not take responsibility for financial losses suffered by students or parents who transact through unauthorised channels or individuals.
This makes confirmation of the payment channel necessary before any fee or levy is paid.
A student who receives a payment request outside the approved system should avoid completing the transaction and refer the matter to the proper university office.
Payment Enquiries Should Go to the Bursary Department
Every enquiry, clarification or complaint about university payments should be directed to the Bursary Department.
Students should avoid relying on unverified social media accounts, phone numbers or third party agents for payment guidance.
The Bursary Department is the stated office for issues concerning fees and payment clarification.
Suspicious Fast-Track Payment Offers Should Be Reported
Any person who asks a student to make a cash payment outside the approved system should be reported.
The same applies where someone offers a “fast-track” payment service that requires money to be paid outside the authorised payment gateway.
Such cases should be reported immediately to the university security unit or the Bursary Department.
Students and Parents Should Check the Payment Route Before Paying
A payment request should be checked against the university’s approved system before money changes hands.
Where the route is unclear, the Bursary Department is the proper point for clarification. Unverified contacts and third party agents should not be treated as authorised payment sources.
This approach applies to students as well as parents making payments on behalf of students.
AIFUE Payment Safety Troubleshooter
| Payment Situation | What to Check | Appropriate Response | Where to Refer the Matter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💳 School fee payment is due | Check whether the payment gateway is approved by AIFUE | Pay only through the approved university channel | Bursary Department for clarification |
| 💵 Someone requests cash | Check whether the person is asking for money outside the approved system | Do not hand over cash | Security unit or Bursary Department |
| 📱 A personal account is sent for transfer | Check whether the account is part of an approved university gateway | Avoid the transfer | Bursary Department |
| 🚩 A fast-track payment service is offered | Check whether the service sits outside the approved payment system | Do not make the payment and report the approach | Security unit or Bursary Department |
| 📞 Payment advice comes from an unverified contact | Confirm the information through the proper university office | Avoid relying on the unverified source | Bursary Department |
