ABSU Suspends Senior Lecturer Over Alleged Student Extortion, Harassment and Credential Forgery

The management of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, has suspended a senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Mr. Kingsley Izuogu, over allegations of extortion, harassment of students, and forgery of academic credentials.

The suspension, which took effect this week, comes amid claims that Izuogu allegedly charged students for his handout materials and demanded money in exchange for passing his courses. He is also accused of forging one of his lower credentials.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chijioke Nwogu, confirmed the suspension to journalists on Wednesday.

“Yes. Suspended,” Nwogu stated.

Izuogu has, however, strongly denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence.

The action by the university management has sparked mixed reactions within the ABSU community. While some students and parents have welcomed the suspension, describing it as a necessary step to sanitize the institution, others believe the university should have waited for the outcome of a separate investigation panel set up by the Abia State Government to probe corruption in the university.

The state government panel is yet to conclude its assignment or submit its report.