Abia State University (ABSU) has suspended the Head of the Department of Anatomy, Dr. Agbai Johnson Ukwa, amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of examination malpractice, grade manipulation and extortion involving medical students.

The development was disclosed by education advocate and Chief Executive Officer of Educare, Alex Onyia, in a series of posts on his X account on Tuesday.

According to Onyia, Dr. Ukwa was suspended following allegations that he demanded money from students in exchange for passing grades, while those who refused allegedly failed examinations or had their scripts declared missing.

“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.

Providing an update later, Onyia revealed that the university had suspended the lecturer as investigations gathered momentum.

“This man was suspended today by Abia State University.”

He further claimed that preliminary findings had uncovered alleged widespread examination malpractice involving the senior academic.

“Investigations so far have revealed that he has been involved in grade sorting and other strange activities. He charges as high as ?1.5m to pass MBBS exam.”

According to Onyia, the Abia State Government has expanded the scope of the investigation by reviewing examination records and mark sheets across the institution over the last five years.

“The Abia State Government has intensified its investigation and is reviewing results and mark sheets for all students in the Uni for the past 5 years.”

He added that the probe could have far-reaching consequences for some former students if evidence of irregularities is established.

“Some graduates’ results may be cancelled after this investigation.”

Describing the exercise as unprecedented, Onyia said the ongoing probe represents one of the most extensive academic integrity investigations undertaken by a Nigerian university.

“This is the most thorough academic investigation at any Nigerian university so far.”

As of the time of filing this report, Abia State University had not issued an official statement detailing the specific allegations against the suspended Head of Department or the scope of the ongoing investigation. Likewise, the Abia State Government has yet to publicly confirm the claims regarding the review of examination results spanning the past five years.

The investigation is expected to determine the veracity of the allegations and establish whether disciplinary or legal action will be taken against those found culpable. (Journalist 101, excluding headline)

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