The handling of my research ethics approval and the unfair consequences that followed.

I submitted my research proposal in September. At the time, I did not have access to the research portal and was therefore unable to monitor updates. Once access was granted, the system reflected that my proposal had been approved and clearly indicated that no ethical clearance was required. Based on this official system approval, I proceeded with data collection, completed the research, and submitted my final report. On 24 December, I received communication requesting that I submit a permission letter, which I promptly resubmitted. Thereafter, my report was rejected on the basis that an ethics clearance letter was required. I was informed that I should not have re**** on the approval displayed on the system, but should have awaited confirmation from the Ethics Committee, despite the system reflecting full approval. I was further advised to re-register, effectively placing the burden of this administrative error on me. No accountability was taken for the incorrect approval reflected on the system, even though it directly influenced my academic decisions and progress. I find this extremely unfair, as I acted in good faith based on the institution’s official system. I am now being financially and academically penalised for an error that was not of my making. I am requesting that this matter be reviewed and that I be allowed to re-register without additional fees, as the situation arose due to system and administrative failures beyond my control. I hope this complaint will be taken seriously and resolved fairly.