Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has expelled six students over examination misconduct after an investigation found that they rewrote an examination at the private residence of a lecturer.
The university’s Senate also approved the withdrawal of nine other students for poor academic performance and failure to comply with registration requirements.
The decisions were taken during the 167th Regular Meeting of the Senate held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the University Auditorium.
The examination misconduct case followed an incident on July 1, 2026, when the university management acted on information that a lecturer was allegedly coordinating students to rewrite an examination at his residence.
Security operatives subsequently arrested Dr Maji Okpanachi of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, alongside some students, at his residence behind the Police Area Command Office along Idah Road, Anyigba. Exhibits were also recovered during the operation.
The matter was subsequently referred to the University’s Examination Misconduct Committee for investigation.
Students Paid N10,000 to Rewrite Examination
According to the committee’s report considered by Senate, the investigation corroborated the earlier security report and was supported by confessional statements from the lecturer and students involved, as well as other available records.
The committee established that some students returned to the lecturer’s residence several days after the original examination to rewrite the course examination.
The affected students were said to have paid N10,000 each to Dr Okpanachi to rewrite BOT102, Introduction to Plant Science, at his private residence.
The development has once again highlighted the importance of academic integrity and examination discipline in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Recent developments across Kogi’s education sector have similarly placed renewed attention on the need for stronger institutional standards and accountability. TETFund stakeholders in Kogi State, for instance, have called for greater accountability and measurable improvements in tertiary education.
PAAU Expels Six 100-Level Students
Following consideration of the committee’s findings, Senate approved the expulsion of six 100-level students of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology for gross examination misconduct.
The expelled students are:
- Itodo Ojonugwa Jeremiah – 26PL1071
- Olloh Kizito Ojoajogwu – 26PL1033
- Okpanachi Favour – 26PL1065
- Abdulkadiri Senusi – 26PL1031
- Umar Imran – 26PL1038
- Lawrence Salami – 26PL1124
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.
The university’s action comes as Nigerian tertiary institutions continue to face pressure to protect the credibility of examinations, academic qualifications and professional training. The Bureau Journal recently reported on efforts to strengthen educational infrastructure and skills development in Kogi, including the inauguration of a renewable energy college in the state.
Nine Students Withdrawn Over Academic, Registration Issues
In a separate decision, Senate approved the withdrawal of nine students on grounds of poor academic performance and failure to comply with registration requirements.
Six students were withdrawn for failing to register for two consecutive semesters.
- Suleiman Salamatu – 22SC1059, Social Studies Education
- Abdullahi Hossana – 21BF1003, Banking and Finance
- Anaja Victor Anome – 21BF1043, Banking and Finance
- Emmanuel Arome – 21BF1075, Banking and Finance
- Odutola Nancy Oluwanifemi – 21BF1138, Banking and Finance
- Olarawaju Segun Abayomi – 21BF1147, Banking and Finance
Three other students were withdrawn because of poor academic performance. They are:
- Adam Safiyat – 24MC1065, Communication and Media Studies
- Musa Favour – 24MC1086, Communication and Media Studies
- Umolo John Philip – 24MC1192, Communication and Media Studies
Meanwhile, the case involving Jude Ojoajogwu Itodo, with matriculation number 26PL1068, was referred back to the Examination Misconduct Committee for further investigation.
Vice-Chancellor Reaffirms PAAU’s Academic Standards
Reacting to the decisions, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining high standards of academic excellence, discipline, integrity, patriotism and quality assurance.
He stressed that PAAU would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining the credibility of its academic and examination processes.
Prof. Usman commended the committees involved in investigating the cases, describing their work as thorough and painstaking.
He said the decisions demonstrated the determination of the university management and Senate to strengthen accountability and protect the integrity of the institution’s academic system.
The Vice-Chancellor further urged students to remain focused on their studies, maintain good character and comply fully with the university’s academic and examination regulations.
The Bureau Journal reports that the university has previously emphasised the safety and welfare of its students following the death of a student in Anyigba. In that case, PAAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman visited the family of the deceased student and assured them that justice would be pursued.
Students Directed to Surrender University Property
The expelled and withdrawn students have been directed to surrender all university property in their possession, including identity cards and other official items, to the appropriate authorities before leaving the institution.
The university said the disciplinary decisions were taken in accordance with its established rules and procedures.
For PAAU and other Nigerian universities, maintaining credible academic processes remains critical to ensuring that graduates possess qualifications that reflect genuine learning and competence.
This is particularly important as tertiary institutions across Kogi State and Nigeria expand their focus on skills, innovation and professional development. The Bureau Journal recently reported on a Kogi youth technology initiative in Anyigba aimed at equipping young people with digital skills and preparing them for opportunities in the technology-driven economy.
The university’s latest disciplinary action therefore sends a clear message that academic advancement must be achieved through legitimate study and adherence to institutional regulations rather than examination malpractice.
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