Abia State University (ABSU) has placed the Head of its Anatomy Department, Dr. Agbai Johnson Ukwa, on suspension pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of academic misconduct.
The development follows claims by education advocate Alex Onyia, who alleged that the lecturer demanded as much as ₦1.5 million from some students in exchange for passing MBBS examinations.
In a post on X, Onyia wrote:
“The Abia State Government has intensified its investigation and is reviewing results and mark sheets for all students in the university for the past five years.”
He also alleged that the suspended lecturer “charges as high as ₦1.5 million to pass MBBS exams,” a claim that has not been independently verified by Abia State University or the Abia State Government.
According to Onyia, the ongoing review of academic records could have far-reaching consequences if evidence of malpractice is uncovered.
“Some graduates’ results may be cancelled after this investigation,” he wrote.
He further described the exercise as “the most thorough academic investigation at any Nigerian university so far.”
The latest development follows Onyia’s earlier allegations that Dr. Ukwa demanded payments from students before approving grades or graduation, claiming that students who refused to pay risked failing examinations or having their scripts declared missing.
As of the time of filing this report, Abia State University has not released the findings of its investigation, and Dr. Agbai Johnson Ukwa has not publicly responded to the allegations. The university has also not officially confirmed the specific allegations regarding the alleged ₦1.5 million payments or the possible cancellation of students’ results.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no official findings of wrongdoing have been announced.