The Senate of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has approved the expulsion of six 100-Level students found guilty of gross examination misconduct after they paid a lecturer to let them re-write an exam at his private residence. In a separate action, the Senate also approved the withdrawal of nine other students over poor academic performance and failure to register for two consecutive semesters.
The decisions were taken at the University’s 167th Regular Meeting of Senate, held at the University Auditorium.
How the Malpractice Was Uncovered
On 1 July 2026, University Management moved on credible intelligence that a lecturer was coordinating students to re-write an examination at his home. Security operatives arrested Dr Maji Okpanachi of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, along with a number of students, at his residence near the Police Area Command Office on Idah Road, Anyigba. Exhibits were recovered from the scene.
The case was referred to the University’s Examination Misconduct Committee, which corroborated the security report through confessional statements from both the lecturer and the students, as well as other records. The committee found that the students had re-written BOT102 (Introduction to Plant Science) days after the original exam, each paying Dr Okpanachi N10,000 for the arrangement.
Senate approved the expulsion of the following students of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology:
- Itodo Ojonugwa Jeremiah – 26PL1071
- Olloh Kizito Ojoajogwu – 26PL1033
- Okpanachi Favour – 26PL1065
- Abdulkadiri Senusi – 26PL1031
- Umar Imran – 26PL1038
- Lawrence Salami – 26PL1124
Dr Okpanachi has been referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for further disciplinary action under the University’s established rules. A ninth case, involving Jude Ojoajogwu Itodo (26PL1068), was referred back to the Examination Misconduct Committee for further investigation.
In a related but unconnected matter, Senate approved the withdrawal of nine students on academic grounds.
Withdrawn for failing to register for two consecutive semesters: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
- Olarewaju Segun Abayomi – 21BF1147, Banking and Finance
Withdrawn for poor academic performance:
7. Adam Safiyat – 24MC1065, Communication and Media Studies
8. Musa Favour – 24MC1086, Communication and Media Studies
9. Umolo John Philip – 24MC1192, Communication and Media Studies
Reacting to the decisions, Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to academic excellence, discipline, integrity and quality assurance, stressing that PAAU would not tolerate any act that compromises the credibility of its academic and examination processes.
He commended the committees involved for what he described as thorough and painstaking investigations, saying the outcome underscored the University’s resolve to strengthen accountability and protect the integrity of its academic system. Prof. Usman also urged students to remain focused on their studies, maintain high standards of conduct, 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, before exiting the institution.
Source: Uredo Omale, Public Relations Officer, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba
