The Abia State Government has inaugurated a five-member Special Investigative Committee to probe allegations of harassment, bribery, and certificate forgery involving certain staff and students of Abia State University (ABSU).
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
According to Prince Kanu, the establishment of the investigative committee reflects the state government’s commitment to preserving academic integrity, transparency, and ethical standards within the institution.
The committee, which is chaired by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has been mandated to identify all persons implicated in the allegations and make appropriate recommendations to the Visitor of the University.
The panel is also expected to investigate accusations of bribery reportedly levelled against a lecturer, alongside allegations of certificate forgery involving the same individual.
In addition, the committee will review the extent to which the White Paper arising from the 2024 Visitation Panel to the university has been implemented and identify any gaps in execution.
The government further stated that the committee would examine other relevant issues connected to ongoing reforms aimed at restoring Abia State University’s reputation as a respected citadel of learning.
Meanwhile, Prince Okey Kanu announced that the 2026 Annual School Census across Abia State officially commenced on Monday.
According to him, the exercise is designed to provide the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education with accurate and reliable data for effective educational planning, policy formulation, and improved access to the Hope Education Intervention Grant.
He explained that the census would cover both public and private schools across the three senatorial zones of the state and is expected to last for one month.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the Abia State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education has established 140 learning centres across the state to provide educational opportunities for individuals previously denied access to formal education.
He added that the agency plans to expand the programme to more underserved communities in the coming months.
Furthermore, Prince Kanu revealed that the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board recently organised an intensive training and capacity-building programme for 265 headteachers and 306 Early Childhood Care Development teachers as part of efforts to strengthen school administration and improve learning outcomes across the state.
In another development, the Commissioner announced that the Abia State Government will host the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, on Friday, May 15, 2026, in celebration of his 85th birthday anniversary.
The state government says the visit is aimed at honouring the traditional ruler’s contributions to leadership, culture, and national development.
