University Class Rep Barred from Exams After Using ₦280K Departmental Funds for Mother’s Medical Bills

A Nigerian university class rep faces a potential exam ban after using ₦280,000 in departmental funds for his mother’s medical bills, sparking debate on financial ethics and desperation.

A Nigerian university class representative has appealed for help after his Head of Department (HOD) allegedly labeled him a thief and threatened to bar him from writing his exams.

The student admitted to using ₦280,000 in departmental funds, originally meant for textbooks, to pay for his mother’s hospital bills. Now, the department insists he must repay the full amount before being allowed to sit for his exams.

Sharing his predicament in an anonymous post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“My mother was hospitalized. In fact, she’s still in the hospital. So I used the textbook money with me to cover her bills—280k. (I’m a class rep). Now, my HOD has labeled me a thief and won’t let me write my exams until I pay every dime. Exams are on Monday, and I don’t know what to do.”

The post quickly gained traction, sparking a wave of reactions from concerned individuals. While some sympathized with his situation, others criticized his actions, emphasizing the importance of financial accountability.

Here are some reactions:

• @Iamkrebkira: “You ought to resist such temptation. There are other ways to get the money, not by using people’s hard-earned money without permission. Your coursemates might have helped if you had been honest.”

• @Indemosyd: “Returning such money can be hard. Even when you get it back, the temptation to not repay is always there.”

• @Chiniel5: “Hmmm… You could have looked for funds elsewhere. Even your classmates might have contributed instead of misusing public money. May God heal your mother.”

• @LincolnGTech: “Your mum didn’t even question where you got the money from? I understand the desperation, but as a mother who sent a child to school, her first question should have been, ‘How did you get this money?’”

• @Rahsekprints: “Taking money without the owner’s consent makes it difficult to pay back. I’ve made this mistake before and suffered for it. Avoid it before your reputation is ruined.”

• @0xMuskle: “That’s people’s money. You are not supposed to touch it, even if it was a life-or-death situation.”

• @anonymousprofx: “See how everyone suddenly has advice. I would have done the same. Not everyone has someone to run to. At least his mom survived.”