The Management of Sam Maris University, Supare-Akoko, Ondo State, has warned members of the public against a fraudulent admission advertisement circulating online, purportedly offering prospective Nursing Science students a free laptop upon payment of 50 per cent of their tuition fees.

The University described the advertisement as fake and unauthorised, warning prospective students, parents and guardians not to make any payment in response to the offer.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Registrar of the University, Mr David Daramola, said the advertisement was designed to impersonate the University and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

He said:
“I urge members of the public to disregard the viral advertisement being circulated by fraudsters, which claims that prospective Nursing Science students should pay 50 per cent of their tuition fees to secure admission and receive a free laptop.

“The advertisement is not authorised by Sam Maris University. The public should also beware of the account being promoted in connection with the offer: Account Number 3004208230, Account Name: Bursary Admin Tuition Ventures, Kuda Micro-Finance Bank.

“Sam Maris University has no account or affiliation with Kuda Bank in respect of this purported offer. The account being promoted is not one of the University's authorised payment channels.

“Prospective students, parents and guardians are therefore advised not to make any payment into the account or act on any admission instruction contained in the fraudulent advertisement.”

The Registrar stated that all official information on admission, tuition fees and payment arrangements is available through the University's official website, www.smu.edu.ng, and other duly authorised channels, including accredited representatives of the University.

He stressed that the purported offer of a free laptop upon payment of 50 per cent of tuition fees was not an offer authorised by Sam Maris University.

Daramola urged prospective students and their parents and guardians to verify any admission advertisement or payment instruction bearing the name or identity of the University before taking action.

He further urged members of the public to exercise caution when responding to online admission advertisements, particularly those offering incentives or directing applicants to make payments through unofficial channels.

For further clarification and verification of admission information, members of the public may contact the Registrar on +234 803 403 4188 or the Admissions Office on +234 813 219 3344.