PAAU EXPELS SIX STUDENTS OVER SECRET EXAMINATION REWRITE

The Senate of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, has expelled six students found guilty of serious examination misconduct after they allegedly rewrote an examination at the private residence of their lecturer.

The decision was reached during the university’s 167th Regular Senate Meeting held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following an investigation into allegations that students were being allowed to retake an examination outside the approved university environment.

According to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the management received credible information on July 1 that a lecturer was coordinating students to rewrite an examination at his residence.

Following the information, university security personnel moved to the lecturer’s residence located behind the Police Area Command Office along Idah Road, Anyigba, where Dr Maji Okpanachi of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology and some students were arrested.

The matter was subsequently referred to the university’s Examination Misconduct Committee for investigation. The committee’s findings reportedly corroborated the initial security report and were supported by statements from the lecturer and students involved, as well as other available evidence.

The investigation established that some of the students had rewritten the BOT102 examination, titled Introduction to Plant Science, several days after the original examination was conducted.

The university also disclosed that the affected students allegedly paid N10,000 each to the lecturer to participate in the unauthorised examination rewrite at his residence.

Based on the findings, the Senate approved the expulsion of the six students. It also referred Dr Okpanachi to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the university’s regulations.

In a separate decision, the Senate approved the withdrawal of nine other students for poor academic performance and failure to register for two consecutive semesters.

The Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, said the decisions reflected the institution’s determination to protect the integrity of its academic system.

Usman stressed that the university would not tolerate activities capable of undermining the credibility of its examinations or academic standards. He also urged students to remain committed to their studies, maintain good character and comply with the institution’s academic regulations.

The expelled students have been instructed to surrender university property in their possession, including identity cards and other official items, to the appropriate authorities before leaving the institution.