The Abia State Executive Council has established a five-man Special Investigative Committee to thoroughly investigate recent allegations of harassment and extortion involving students and lecturers at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.
This decisive action underscores Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, ethical conduct, and excellence in the state’s tertiary institutions.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed the development on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Otti.
The committee is chaired by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, with Mr. Dodoh Okafor, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, serving as Secretary. Other members include Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, Professor Idowu Eluwa, and Professor Lawrence Idemudua.
Terms of Reference for the Committee include: Identification of perpetrators involved in the alleged harassment and extortion, with appropriate recommendations to the Visitor of the University. Investigation of allegations of bribery and possession of forged certificates against a lecturer.
Assessment of the implementation of the White Paper from the 2024 full investigation panel into the university, including identification of any gaps.
Any other matters relevant to the ongoing transformation and restoration of Abia State University as a premier citadel of learning, teaching, and research.
The committee will collaborate closely with the university’s governing council to ensure a comprehensive and transparent probe.
Governor Otti’s administration continues to prioritize reforms in the education sector, aimed at repositioning public schools and tertiary institutions for greater efficiency, accountability, and global competitiveness.