The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has warned tertiary institutions operating in the country against extortion of students through exorbitant fees.

Head of media for the ICPC, Folu Olamiti, said the warning follows several petitions received by the commission from students showing that tertiary institutions were demanding between N20,000 and N40,000 from students preparing for the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC scheme.

He said victims of this extortion are prospective corps members wishing to be mobilised for the NYSC scheme after spending two or more years at home upon graduation.

According to him, the usual explanation for the demanded sum is to ensure final clearance for mobilisation to the forthcoming August batch of the NYSC scheme.

The spokesman said the ICPC had commenced preliminary investigations into the matter and urged institutions involved to remedy the situation in the interest of the students.

“The petitions also indicated that some Institutions that over-subscribed their quota for admission into the Nigerian Law School have resorted to sending only names of candidates who allegedly paid bribes or peddled influence,” he said.

The ICPC therefore directed all Anti-Corruption & Transparency Units (ACTUs) to assist Institutions establish and publish a transparent corruption-free procedure for the selection of candidates proceeding to the Nigerian Law School.