The Abia State Government has constituted a five member Special Investigative Committee to probe allegations of harassment, bribery and certificate forgery involving staff and students of Abia State University, as part of efforts to uphold academic and ethical standards in the institution.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the committee was chaired by the Chief of staff to the Governor, Prof Caleb Ajagba was established in the bid to ensure the highest level of academic and ethical standards in the state’s own tertiary institution.
According to him, the committee’s terms of reference include the identification of the perpetrators and to make appropriate recommendations to the visitor to the university.
He added that the panel would also investigate allegations of bribery against a lecturer, as well as allegations of forged certificates against the same lecturer.
The 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 noted that the committee would 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.
“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 allegations of 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”,he said.
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.
“The committee will work hand-in-hand with the governing council of the university in this onerous assignment”, Prince Kanu added.
The commissioner also disclosed that the 2026 Annual School Census across the state commenced today.
Prince Kanu said 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 exercise will involve both public and private schools located in the three senatorial zones of the state and would last for one month.
Prince Kanu further revealed that the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education had established 140 learning centres across the state to cater for individuals who missed the opportunity of formal education earlier in life, adding that the agency plans to extend the initiative to underserved communities.
He disclosed that the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board had recently organised a training and capacity-building programme for 265 headteachers and 306 Early Child Care Development Education (ECCDE) teachers 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.
According to the commissioner, the event aligns with Governor Otti’s vision of promoting ethical standards and encouraging young people to emulate exemplary leaders in public life.
“The governor is known for his disposition towards the use of such occasions to encourage Abians to look up to and emulate role models in public life”, he said.
