Abia Govt Probes Varsity Over Alleged Bribery, Certificate Forgery

Abia State government has launched an investigation into alleged harassment, bribery and certificate forgery involving members of staff and students of the Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).

The commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, stated this when he briefed the media on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said this was aimed at upholding academic and ethical standards in the university and would be conducted by a five-member committee headed by the chief of staff to the governor, Caleb Ajagba.

“This committee has as its primary terms of reference the identification of the perpetrators and to make appropriate recommendations to the visitor to the university.

“Two, allegations of bribery against a lecturer, as well as forged certificates against the same lecturer.

“Three, to determine the extent of the implementation of the White Paper on the 2024 full investigation panel to the university and to identify implementation gaps.

“Four, 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,” Kanu noted.

The commissioner said the committee would work hand in hand with the university’s governing council “in this onerous assignment.”

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