Abia Govt Sets Up Probe Panel Over Harassment, Bribery, Certificate Forgery Allegations in ABSU

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

ABIA – As part of efforts to uphold academic discipline and ethical standards in Abia State University Uturu, the State Government has set up a five member Special Investigative Committee to probe allegations of harassment, bribery and certificate forgery involving staff and students of the institution.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti,named the Chief of staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba as Chairman of the investigative committee.

Prince Kanu named other members of the committee as Mr Chinedu Ekeke, Professor Idowu Eluwa, Professor Lawrence Idemudia and Mr Dodo Okafor, who will serve as secretary.

Prince Kanu named the committee’s terms of reference to include the identification of the perpetrators and to make appropriate recommendations to the Governor who is visitor to the university.

He added that other terms of reference of the panel also include to investigate allegations of bribery against a lecturer, as well as allegations of forged certificates against the same lecturer.

The Information commissioner further stated that the committee would determine the extent of the implementation of the white paper on the 2024 full investigation panel to the university and to identify implementation gaps.

He said that the committee is to also examine any other matters that may be relevant to the ongoing transformation and restoration of Abia State University as a citadel of learning and excellence in teaching and research.

The commissioner also disclosed that the 2026 Annual School Census across the state commenced today (Monday) adding that the exercise is designed to provide the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education reliable data for planning, policy formulation and full access into the Hope Education Intervention Grant.

He noted that the one month exercise will involve both public and private schools located in the three senatorial zones of the state.

Prince Kanu further revealed that the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education has established 140 learning centres across the state to take care of individuals who missed the opportunity of formal education earlier in life, adding that the agency plans to extend the initiative to underserved communities across the state.

He disclosed that the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board has recently organised a training and capacity-building programme for 265 Head teachers and 206 Early Child Care Development Education as part of efforts to improve school management and learning outcomes.

Prince Kanu also announced that the state government would host the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe on Friday, May 15, 2026, in celebration of his 85th birthday anniversary, pointing out that the event aligns with Governor Otti’s vision of promoting ethical standards and encouraging young people to emulate exemplary leaders in public life.