The management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has issued a critical disclaimer to alert the general public, especially prospective students and parents, about the circulation of fraudulent admission advertorials for the 2026/2027 academic session.

This warning comes amid increasing cases of cyber fraudsters impersonating institutions to deceive unsuspecting candidates through fake admission forms, unofficial portals, and misleading social media advertisements.

Background of the Disclaimer

The university disclosed that it became aware of unauthorized online publications claiming that COOU has commenced the sale of Post-UTME or admission forms for the 2026/2027 academic session.

However, such claims are false, misleading, and not approved by the institution.

A similar incident in previous admission cycles revealed that scammers created fake adverts promoting the sale of admission forms even when the university had not officially started the process.

Key Highlights of the COOU Disclaimer

The university management clearly outlined the following:

1. No Official Admission Announcement Yet

COOU emphasized that admission for the 2026/2027 academic session has not officially commenced. Any platform claiming otherwise is fraudulent.

2. Official Advert Channels Only

The university stated that all genuine admission announcements will be published through:

• Recognized national newspapers (e.g., The Sun, Vanguard)

• The official COOU website and portal

• Verified social media handles

This ensures that candidates can easily identify legitimate information sources.

3. Fraudulent Advertorials Are Unauthorized

The institution warned that the circulating online adverts:

• Did not originate from COOU management

• Are created by cybercriminals seeking to defraud applicants

Members of the public are advised to ignore and discard such information immediately.

4. Warning to Prospective Students and Parents

Candidates are strongly cautioned to:

• Avoid making payments to unknown individuals or websites

• Refrain from engaging with unofficial admission agents

• Verify all information through official COOU platforms

5. Follow Official Communication Channels

To avoid misinformation, COOU encourages the public to rely only on:

• The official website and admission portal

• Verified social media pages

• Official press releases from the university

Why Admission Scams Are Increasing

Admission fraud has become rampant due to:

• High demand for university education in Nigeria

• Limited admission slots

• Desperation among candidates seeking quick admission

Fraudsters exploit these factors by:

• Creating fake portals resembling university websites

• Advertising “guaranteed admission” offers

• Requesting illegal payments

How to Identify Genuine COOU Admission Information

To stay safe, applicants should always:

• Visit the official portal: portal.coou.edu.ng

• Confirm announcements on the university website

• Cross-check information with trusted educational platforms

• Avoid any message that demands urgent payment without verification

Implications of Falling Victim

Victims of admission scams may face:

• Loss of money

• Loss of admission opportunities

• Exposure of personal data to cybercriminals

The university clearly states that it will not be held responsible for transactions made outside its official channels.

Conclusion

The disclaimer issued by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) serves as a timely warning against fraudulent admission schemes targeting unsuspecting candidates for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Prospective students are advised to remain vigilant, verify all information, and rely strictly on official communication channels to avoid being scammed.

FAQs:

Has COOU started selling admission forms for 2026/2027?

No. COOU has not officially commenced admission for the 2026/2027 academic session. Any advert claiming otherwise is fake.

How can I know if a COOU admission advert is genuine?

Genuine adverts are published only through:

• Official COOU website

• Verified social media pages

• Recognized newspapers

What should I do if I see a fraudulent admission advert?

Ignore it immediately and avoid making any payments. You can also report it to the university authorities.

Does COOU use agents for admission processing?

No. COOU does not authorize third-party agents to sell admission forms or secure admission on behalf of candidates.

Where can I get official updates about COOU admission?

You should rely only on:

• The official COOU portal

• The university website

• Verified social media handles