How Ex-Gov Okowa’s Wife Aid Corruption and Nepotism in Delta State Nursing Schools As They Sell Admission Slots for N2 Million Each

Secrets Reporters

The integrity of the admissions and examinations process at the Schools of Nursing in Delta State has been questioned. Speaking to SecretsReporters, a confidential source disclosed a disturbing pattern of corruption and nepotism infiltrating health training institutions, where admissions and examinations should be based on merit.

According to the insider, parents and students of Nursing Students in the various State Schools of Nursing in Delta State are allegedly paying exorbitant sums ranging from N1 million to N2 million to secure admissions into various nursing schools in the State. The funds are purportedly funneled through a network involving the State’s Director of Nursing, Gloria Igumbor, who is accused of holding her position without the necessary qualifications.

The source claims that Igumbor, despite lacking the required educational background, was placed in her position due to connections with the state’s former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and his wife. Furthermore, it was alleged that Igumbor removed two crucial examinations, the Preliminary Training Session (PTS) and the Pre-Qualifying examination, from the curriculum, allowing for the illegal collection of money from students for promotions rather than merit-based evaluations.

While these illegalities have been exposed in the public domain, no actions have been taken, purportedly due to the involvement of Okowa’s wife and elder sister, who are said to be benefiting from the proceeds.

Presently, the sales of admission forms into the five nursing schools in Delta State are ongoing, with allegations of continued monetary inducements for admissions and examinations. Igumbor is accused of using school principals, bursars, librarians, and students to collect these illicit fees.

In a shocking incident in December 2022, a student from the State School of Midwifery, Kizito, Sapele, allegedly ran away with approximately 10 million Naira in hostel fees. According to the source, this action was carried out at the instruction of the director and the principal.

Compounding the situation, the Nursing and Midwifery Council Examinations for final year nursing students across the various state nursing schools and the Delta State University, Abraka, were abruptly put on hold in the same year. The postponement followed protests by over 300 final-year students from nursing schools in Warri, Eku, Agbor, and Abraka, who discovered irregular enrollment for the examinations despite having paid the required fees to the state’s nursing and midwifery authorities.

The students launched a protest, bringing to light their unexplained inconclusive enrollment for the examination with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. These revelations raise serious concerns about the integrity of the education system and the need for urgent intervention to address corruption and nepotism in Delta State’s nursing schools.