The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has banned the activities of Neolife and the Faith Heroic Group (FHG) within its campuses, citing concerns over student welfare and campus security.
The directive was announced in an official memo signed by the university’s Registrar, Mr. Charles Adeleye, and made available on Thursday.
According to the memo, the activities of the two groups have generated “serious discomfort, fear, unnecessary tension and unwarranted pressure” among students and staff, thereby undermining the institution’s peaceful and conducive academic environment.
The university also warned students to completely disengage from the groups, stressing that failure to comply would attract serious sanctions in line with FUTA’s existing regulations.
“All students of the university are hereby directed to refrain from all activities of the Faith Heroic Group and Neolife on campus. Failure to comply with this directive will attract serious penalties in accordance with extant university regulations,” the memo stated.
Neolife, which presents itself as a wellness and nutrition company, has faced widespread criticism and allegations of unethical practices.
Investigations have accused the organisation of exploiting young Nigerians, including university students, through deceptive recruitment strategies that promise high-paying jobs and quick financial success.
A previous investigation by The PUNCH revealed that many students were lured into Neolife’s network under the guise of legitimate employment opportunities, only to be pushed into a multi-level marketing structure that often leaves participants in debt and encourages them to abandon formal education.
FUTA said its decision followed a review of the recruitment methods and operational activities of both groups, concluding that their presence was not in the best interest of students or the university community.
“Arising from the review of their activities and mode of recruitment, the university has resolved that the operations of these groups are not beneficial to the institution or its students,” the statement added.
The ban takes immediate effect.
