Olu Samuel

The Senate of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has approved the expulsion of six students for gross examination misconduct involving rewriting of examination at a lecturer’s private residence.

Also nine students were advised to withdraw over poor academic performance and failure to register for two consecutive semesters.

A statement issued on Monday by Uredo Omale, Public Relations Officer
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba stated that the decision was among the major decisions taken during the 167th Regular Meeting of the Senate, held on Wednesday, 26th August 2026, at the University Auditorium.

“On 1st July, 2026, the University Management acted based on credible information that a Lecturer was coordinating students to re-write an examination at his residence. This led to the arrest of Dr Maji Okpanachi of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology and some students along with some exhibits from his private residence, behind the Police Area Command Office, along Idah Road, Anyigba by the security operatives of the University.” Omale stated.

The public relations officer said that following the security report which was subsequently referred to the Examination Misconduct Committee, the report of the Committee on the incident was considered by the Senate at its 167th Regular Meeting held on 26th August, 2026.

“The committee report further confirmed the security report as well as the confessional statements by the Lecturer and the students involved and other available records, that some students re-wrote the examination at the lecturer’s residence, days after the examination was written.

The committee further revealed that the affected students paid the sum of N10,000 each to the lecturer to re-write the Course: BOT102 (Introduction to Plant Science) at the residence of the course lecturer, Dr. Maji Okpanachi.” She added.

She said that Senate also approved the referral of Dr. Maji Okpanachi to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the University’s established rules and regulations.

Omale said that in a related development, Senate also approved the withdrawal of Nine (9) students on grounds of poor academic performance and failure to comply with registration requirements.

Reacting to the decisions, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, reaffirmed the commitment of Senate and the University Management to maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence, discipline, integrity, patriotism and quality assurance.

He stressed that the University would not tolerate any act capable of compromising the credibility and integrity of its academic and examination processes.

Prof. Usman commended the committees involved for their thorough and painstaking investigations, noting that the outcome further demonstrated the University’s determination to strengthen accountability and safeguard the integrity of its academic system.

He reiterated Management’s commitment to sustaining a culture of academic discipline, responsibility and ethical conduct among staff and students, stressing that the rules governing examinations and other academic activities must be respected by all members of the University community.

The Vice-Chancellor also urged students to remain focused on their studies, uphold the highest standards of character and learning, and comply fully with the University’s academic and examination regulations.

“The affected students have been directed to surrender all University property in their possession, including identity cards and other official items, to the appropriate authorities before exiting the University.” The PRO added.