In a remarkable display of honesty and integrity, Faiza Abdulkadir, a cleaner earning a modest ₦30,000 monthly salary at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), has returned a staggering ₦4.8 million mistakenly credited to her bank account in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Faiza, a single mother of five children, said she discovered the unexpected credit alert and was immediately overcome with fear of divine retribution and the moral consequences of keeping money that did not belong to her.
Despite her financial struggles, she made the difficult but principled decision to report the error and ensure the funds were returned to their rightful owner.
Speaking to those familiar with the case, Faiza revealed that her upbringing and deep sense of accountability guided her actions. According to her, the thought of benefiting from what she did not earn troubled her conscience. “I have children to feed, yes, but I also have a God to answer to,” she was quoted as saying.
Her honest act has since drawn admiration from within and outside the university community, with many describing her as a beacon of hope and a reminder that integrity still exists—even in the face of economic hardship.
Officials at the institution and members of the public have commended her exemplary conduct, calling on the government and well-meaning Nigerians to support her and recognize her uncommon honesty.
Faiza’s story is already serving as an inspiration across the country, especially at a time when trust in public and private institutions is waning. Her action stands as a bold testament to the enduring value of personal integrity, regardless of one’s circumstances.