I slipped into depression, Nekede poly should forgive me – Student in ‘sex-for-grade’ video

Ogechi Okoroafor, 28, is the graduating female student of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, seen in a viral video in which she is believed to have credited God and her genitals for the successful completion of her academic program at the institution . In this interview with CHIDIEBUBE OKEOMAshe responds to the widespread controversy generated by the video

What course did you take at Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State?

I studied Business Administration for National Diploma and Higher National Diploma. I am a graduate student.

In a recent viral video, you attributed your successful completion of the program to the help of God and your genitals. Can you explain exactly what you meant by that?

No. The whole thing was blown out of proportion. I never meant to say God and because of my pu**y I graduated. It was a mistake, a slip of the tongue. I was carried away by the euphoria of the moment; the joy of graduating after years at school. I spoke out of excitement and gratitude to God, my family and everyone who supported me in the academic journey. What I meant to say was that God and my popsy (slang for father) made me graduate. My father and God are the main influences in my life. As my father’s only daughter and last child, I adore him too much. We are very close. He is so dear to me. My intention was to say that God and my dad, who we call popsy, let me graduate. I don’t know why people, especially journalists, blow it out of proportion.

Have you slept with a polytechnic teacher or staff in exchange for grades or academic favors?

How can I? Never! Who does not know that Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, is one of the best polytechnics in Nigeria in terms of academic excellence and strict adherence to moral standards? Our Rector is a priest of the Anglican Church and a moralist. Our teachers are intellectually and morally strict. You are a journalist; bring your investigative journalism to my school and department and ask questions about me. I am a very serious student. I attended lectures, did my independent assignments and fully participated in group assignments. I was a serious student. I’m not a quirky girl.

Have you been summoned by the polytechnic management for your claims?

Yes, I was called up this week. I appeared before a panel in the school. The video played for me and I was asked to respond. I told them it was a mistake and I was very sorry whatever my mistake had caused the school. I apologized to them and I believe they saw how remorseful I was. It was never my intention to do anything that would undermine the integrity of the school. I know that our school’s products are respected around the world and I would not do anything that would compromise the institution’s hard-earned integrity.

Are you willing to resit your exams if the school decides to do so?

It hasn’t come to that yet and I pray it doesn’t come to that. I have apologized to the school and I pray that they find a place in their hearts to forgive me. This is a father and daughter issue and I hope it will be resolved that way. Let me say that I am willing to take any punishment from the college to show them how truly remorseful I am. Even it means coming every day to sweep the school grounds and every other punishment; I’ll do it to prove how remorseful I am. I am a very serious student of the school. I finished with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 in my ND program. I am a very serious student. I just pray that the school board forgives me. I know I messed up and everyone is free to judge me, but let it be known that I am truly sorry.

Will you seek legal remedies if the school decides not to let you graduate?

for what? It won’t get to that point. I have no plans and contacts to go to court. The lawyer, who speaks on my behalf, is like a big brother to me. I believe the college will forgive me. We can resolve it amicably. There is no reason to go to court. I pray I’m forgiven.

What kind of house are you from?

I come from a responsible family. I am from the Umueze Umuhu community in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of ​​Imo State. My parents are still alive, but are not strong in terms of health. I have three older brothers. I am the last child and the only daughter. I am 28 years old.

How do your parents take this whole situation?

My parents are not aware of it. My parents are in the village. My father is not too healthy; so is my mother. My mother is not well. The school management called my mother and asked for her presence, but the truth is that my mother has problems with her knees and is unable to walk a reasonable distance. She called me and told me that the school had requested her presence and asked me to handle it. My eldest brother called me about this matter and asked me to be very careful. I come from a very responsible family. I’m sorry about all this drama. I’m going into a depression. My name is flying around for all the wrong reasons. Please help me beg the school to forgive me. I’m really sorry.