The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, has warned the public about a Facebook account allegedly using his name and photograph.
The university said the account is fake and urged social media users to avoid communicating with its operator or sharing money and personal information.
FUTO’s Public Relations Officer, Orakwe Ezugwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Owerri, Imo State.
According to the university, Dozie does not operate a personal Facebook account, meaning any profile presenting itself as the Vice-Chancellor has no connection with him.
“Management has been alerted to a Facebook account using the name and photograph of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie,” the statement said.
The institution advised members of the public to be cautious of individuals who may use the fake profile to deceive or defraud unsuspecting people.
FUTO specifically warned people not to respond to messages from such accounts, send money or gifts, or disclose sensitive personal information to anyone claiming to represent the Vice-Chancellor through Facebook.
The university also called on anyone who encounters the suspected account or similar profiles to report them to Facebook and notify the institution.
Admission season raises concern
The warning comes as prospective students and admission seekers await the release of FUTO’s latest admission list.
With applicants increasingly turning to social media for admission-related information, the university’s disclaimer is particularly important as scammers could attempt to exploit the period by impersonating senior university officials.
DailyInsightNG reports that admission seekers should rely on FUTO’s official communication channels for verified information and be wary of individuals requesting payments or personal details in exchange for supposed admission assistance.
The university’s warning also serves as a reminder that applicants should independently verify any admission-related claim before taking action or making payments.