Varsity Expels Six Students After N10,000 Exam Rewrite Deal at Lecturer’s Residence
The Senate of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, has expelled six students over examination misconduct after they were found to have rewritten an examination at the private residence of their lecturer.
The students, who were identified as 100-level students of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, reportedly paid ₦10,000 each to rewrite the examination several days after the original examination had been conducted.
The University Senate also approved the withdrawal of nine other students for academic-related reasons, bringing the number of students affected by the latest disciplinary decisions to 15.
The decisions were reached at the University’s 167th Regular Meeting of Senate, following the consideration of reports submitted by the Institution’s Examination Misconduct Committee and other relevant authorities.
The meeting was held at the University auditorium in Anyigba.
The University’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, August 31, 2026.
According to Omale, the examination misconduct case came to light on July 1, 2026, after the University Management received credible information that a lecturer was allegedly coordinating students to rewrite an examination at his private residence.
Following the information, security operatives of the University moved to the lecturer’s residence behind the Police Area Command Office, along Idah Road, Anyigba.
The operation resulted in the arrest of Dr Maji Okpanachi, a lecturer in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, alongside some students. Security operatives also recovered exhibits from the residence.
Global Mirror News gathered that the matter was subsequently referred to the University’s Examination Misconduct Committee for investigation.
The committee reportedly found evidence supporting the initial security report and also relied on confessional statements allegedly made by the lecturer and the students involved, alongside other records obtained during the investigation.
The investigation established that the students had returned to the lecturer’s residence days after the official examination to rewrite BOT102, Introduction to Plant Science, a course taught by Dr Okpanachi.
The committee further established that each of the affected students allegedly paid ₦10,000 to the lecturer for the unofficial rewriting of the examination at his residence.
The Senate, after reviewing the committee’s report, approved the expulsion of the six students for what the institution described as gross examination misconduct.
The Senate also approved the referral of Dr Okpanachi to the University’s Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the institution’s established rules and regulations.
The lecturer’s case is therefore expected to undergo a separate disciplinary process.
Nine other students withdrawn
In a related development, the Senate approved the withdrawal of nine other students from the University.
According to the University, six of the students failed to register for two consecutive semesters, while three others were withdrawn because of poor academic performance.
The University said the decisions were taken in accordance with its academic and registration regulations.
Meanwhile, the case of another 100-level student of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Jude Itodo, was reportedly referred back to the Examination Misconduct Committee for further investigation.
VC warns against compromising academic standards
Reacting to the disciplinary decisions, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Senate, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to maintaining academic excellence, discipline, integrity, patriotism and quality assurance.
Usman stressed that the University would not tolerate any action capable of undermining the credibility and integrity of its academic and examination processes.
He commended the committees and other officials involved in the investigation, noting that the outcome demonstrated the University management’s determination to strengthen accountability and protect the integrity of its academic system.
The Vice-Chancellor further reiterated that both students and staff were expected to respect the regulations guiding examinations and other academic activities within the University.
He urged students to remain focused on their studies, uphold good character and maintain high standards of academic and ethical conduct.
Usman also advised students against seeking shortcuts to academic success, stressing the importance of discipline, responsibility and compliance with university regulations.
The University management maintained that examination integrity remains essential to protecting the value of certificates awarded by the institution and preserving public confidence in its academic standards.
Expelled students ordered to surrender University property
The affected students have also been directed to surrender all University property in their possession before leaving the Institution.
According to the University’s Public Relations Officer, the items include their identity cards and other official University materials, which are to be returned to the appropriate authorities.
The latest disciplinary action highlights the university’s stance against examination malpractice and other practices capable of compromising the credibility of its academic processes.
The development also comes amid continuing efforts by Nigerian tertiary Institutions to strengthen examination monitoring and ensure that academic qualifications are earned through legitimate assessment processes.
Global Mirror News gathered that the Senate’s decision followed the formal consideration of investigative reports rather than being based solely on the initial arrest, with the University’s Examination Misconduct Committee examining the evidence, statements and other available records before presenting its findings to the Senate.
The University management has consequently reaffirmed that staff and students who violate its academic regulations will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary procedures.
The Institution urged its students to shun examination malpractice, respect academic regulations and pursue their studies with honesty and diligence.
The University’s latest decision is expected to further reinforce its warning that attempts to manipulate examinations or bypass established academic procedures will not be tolerated.
