By Our Correspondent

National News – The Abia State Government has launched a probe into allegations of harassment, extortion, bribery, and certificate forgery involving staff and students of Abia State University, Uturu.

The state Executive Council approved the setting up of a five-man Special Investigative Committee during its meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia.

The move is part of ongoing efforts to restore discipline, transparency, and academic excellence in the institution.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed that the committee was constituted to investigate complaints linked to unethical practices within the university.

According to him, the panel is chaired by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, while the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Dodoh Okafor, will serve as secretary.

Other members include Chinedu Ekeke, Professor Idowu Eluwa, and Professor Lawrence Idemudua.

Kanu explained that the committee would identify individuals involved in the alleged misconduct and recommend necessary actions to the state government as the university’s Visitor.

He added that the panel would also review the implementation of the 2024 white paper on previous investigations carried out in the institution and identify any gaps that still exist.

The commissioner further revealed that the committee would work closely with the university’s governing council to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.

He noted that the state government remains committed to transforming Abia State University into a leading centre for learning, research, and academic integrity.

In addition, the Abia State Government announced the commencement of the 2026 Annual School Census aimed at gathering reliable data for education planning and policy development across the state.

Authorities also confirmed the establishment of 140 adult learning centres and the training of hundreds of teachers and headteachers as part of wider reforms in the education sector.