Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has suspended Professor Edmund Umahi, the Head of the Department of Industrial Physics, following allegations that he extorted money from students under the guise of quiz fees.
The suspension, which took effect on January 16, 2026, comes after several students lodged complaints with the university management over what they described as unauthorized financial demands.
According to reports, Professor Umahi allegedly directed class representatives to collect a quiz fee from students, initially fixed at ₦1,000 and later reduced to ₦500. The fee was reportedly imposed without approval from the university authorities, in violation of established EBSU regulations that prohibit lecturers or departments from levying unapproved charges on students.
University sources disclosed that the complaints cut across students from different levels, prompting swift administrative action.
Following preliminary findings, the university management ordered Professor Umahi to immediately hand over all university property in his possession to the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences. He is also to remain on half salary pending the outcome of investigations.
The matter has been formally referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, which is expected to conduct a thorough investigation and make recommendations in line with the university’s statutes.
As of January 17, 2026, no final decision has been announced, and the suspension remains in force.
The EBSU management described the action as part of its commitment to protecting students from exploitation and maintaining discipline, transparency, and accountability within the institution.
The university further urged students to continue reporting any form of misconduct through appropriate channels, assuring them that such complaints would be treated with seriousness and confidentiality.
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