Abia State University (ABSU) has reportedly suspended Dr Agbai Johnson Ukwa, the Head of the Anatomy Department, over allegations that he extorted up to N1.5 million from individual students to ensure they passed their examinations. The suspension was announced by education consultant Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, who has been publicly calling for an investigation into the lecturer's conduct since May 2026.
Background of the Allegations
In May 2026, Onyia took to social media platform X to accuse Dr Agbai of demanding money from students before grading them. In his initial post, Onyia stated: "This is Dr Agbai Johnson Ukwa. He is the HOD of Anatomy Department, Abia State University. I heard he extorts his students before grading them or they must fail or get a missing script. The government should thoroughly investigate him. Let's restore sanity in our universities!"
The allegations sparked widespread concern about academic integrity at ABSU, with many calling for swift action from the university administration and state authorities.
Suspension and Investigation
On July 21, 2026, Onyia returned to X to report that Dr Agbai had been suspended by the university. He wrote: "This man was suspended today by Abia State University. Investigations so far have revealed that he has been involved in grade sorting and other strange activities. He charges as high as N1.5m to pass MBBS exam."
According to Onyia, the Abia State Government has intensified its investigation, which now includes a review of results and mark sheets for all students at the university over the past five years. He warned that "some graduates' results may be cancelled after this investigation," describing it as "the most thorough academic investigation at any Nigerian university so far."
Impact and Reactions
The suspension has sent shockwaves through the academic community, highlighting the persistent problem of exam fraud and extortion in Nigerian universities. Students and parents have expressed relief that the authorities are taking decisive action, while others worry about the potential cancellation of results for graduates who may have been victims of the alleged extortion scheme.
The investigation is ongoing, and ABSU has yet to issue an official statement regarding the suspension or the broader probe. However, the case has already become a landmark example of efforts to restore integrity in higher education in Nigeria.
