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In 2023, diverse waves of misinformation swept across social media, notably impacting crucial sectors such as health, finance, governance, education and entertainment.
Nigerian universities were not left behind in this deluge. In this article, DUBAWA handpicked six false narratives involving some learning institutions, revealing how the intricate web of false information has penetrated these academic institutions.
- Kogi State University’s free food policy
A Facebook blog claimed that Kogi State University (KSU) provides students with complimentary “fufu and soup” before morning lectures.
However, upon thorough investigation, students and university management discredited this assertion, categorising it as untrue. You can read more about it here.
- Pidgin language is now a compulsory course at Delta State University
Not long after the free-food claim, the same Facebook blog published another news item: “Pidgin has been made a compulsory language course at Delta State University.”
DUBAWA contacted the management of this school, who discredited the assertion. Read the fact-check here.
After publishing these fact checks, the blog swiftly retracted these claims and numerous others from their Facebook page. Explore details about the withdrawn posts here.
- The 2023/2024 admission process of Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Recently, Adetunmobi Jibola, a Facebook user, declared that the 2023/2024 admission process at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) was still open. Posing as a reliable connection for securing admission, he encouraged users to reach out to him.
Investigations revealed his assertion to be misleading, as the admissions process for UTME candidates had already closed. At that time, the only active admission process was for direct-entry candidates. Access the full report here for more details.
- The academic resumption date of Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Still at FUOYE, a revised academic calendar was shared on WhatsApp, indicating the resumption of activities on Oct. 3, 2023. This follows an indefinite vacation prompted by the tragic incident of a female student’s murder on campus.
The school management confirmed that it had no plans to resume as purported. Not only that, but the viral calendar was fabricated to push this false narrative. Read more here.
- Employment Opportunity at Federal Polytechnic, Offa
In Sept., Kabiru Ibrahim shared on Facebook that the Federal Polytechnic Offa was expanding its workforce, mentioning positions such as Lecturer I and II, Auditor, Computer Programmer, and Librarian.
However, the institution’s registrar contradicted this, affirming no ongoing recruitment at the Polytechnic. Read about it here.
- OAU’s enforced break to host 2023 West African Games
Numerous assertions surfaced on WhatsApp, suggesting that Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) instituted an academic break from Dec. 15, 2023, to Jan. 8, 2024. This break was attributed to the hosting of the West African University Games (WAUG) for the year.
However, interviews with school officials contradicted the narrative, revealing that the assertion was unfounded. You can find more details on this matter here.
