Abia Govt Launches Explosive Probe Into Alleged Lecturer Extortion, Bribery & Fake Certificates”

(Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. Photo Credit: www.alexotti.com)

The Abia State Executive Council has set up a five-member Special Investigative Committee to look into recent claims of harassment and extortion involving students and lecturers at Abia State University, Uturu.

State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced this on Monday in Umuahia during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, which was chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu stated that the committee was established to uphold the highest academic and ethical standards at the state-owned institution.

He added that the committee is headed by the Governor's Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, with the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor, serving as its secretary.

The remaining members of the panel include Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, Professor Idowu Eluwa, and Professor Lawrence Idemudua.

Kanu outlined the committee's terms of reference, which include identifying those responsible for the alleged misconduct and making appropriate recommendations to the university's Visitor.

Additionally, the committee will investigate bribery allegations leveled against a particular lecturer, as well as claims that the same lecturer submitted forged certificates.

The panel will also assess how far the recommendations from the 2024 full investigation panel's white paper have been implemented at the university, and pinpoint any gaps in that process.

Finally, the committee is tasked with examining any other matters that may be relevant to the ongoing efforts to transform and restore Abia State University to its status as a respected center of academic excellence in teaching and research.

Kanu further noted that the committee is expected to collaborate closely with the university's governing council in the course of its work.

The commissioner also announced the launch of the 2026 Annual School Census across the state, which kicked off on Monday.

He explained that the exercise is intended to generate accurate data to support educational planning and policy development, and to facilitate access to the Hope Education Intervention Grant for the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

He added that the census would cover schools across all three senatorial zones in Abia State and is expected to run for a period of one month.

Kanu also revealed that the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education has set up 140 learning centres throughout the state, aimed at extending educational opportunities to adults and those who were unable to access formal education.

He further disclosed that the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board recently conducted training and capacity-building sessions for 265 headteachers and 306 Early Childhood Care Development teachers, as part of the state government's broader education reform agenda.

These developments come against the backdrop of ongoing reforms in the education sector under Governor Alex Otti's administration, which has consistently committed to revamping public schools and tertiary institutions across the state.