The Abia State Government has set up a special five-member committee to investigate allegations of harassment and extortion involving staff and students of Abia State University, Uturu.
The decision was announced on Monday in Umuahia by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, after a State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Alex Otti.
According to the government, the committee was created to look into complaints and ensure discipline, fairness, and proper academic standards in the university.
The panel will be chaired by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, while Mr Dodoh Okafor, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, will serve as secretary.
Other members include Mr Chinedu Ekeke, Professor Idowu Eluwa, and Professor Lawrence Idemudua.
Kanu explained that the committee has been given clear responsibilities, including identifying those involved in the alleged misconduct and making recommendations to the university’s visitor for action.
The team will also investigate claims of bribery against a lecturer, as well as accusations that the same lecturer may have used fake certificates.
In addition, the committee is expected to review how well earlier disciplinary recommendations from a 2024 investigative report have been carried out and identify any gaps in implementation.
The government said the probe is part of ongoing efforts to reform Abia State University and restore strong academic integrity, discipline, and quality learning in the institution.