EBSU Suspends HOD of Industrial Physics Over Alleged Illegal Collection of Quiz Fees
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki (EBSU), has suspended the Head of the Department of Industrial Physics, Prof. Edmund Umahi, following allegations of illegal collection of money from students for quiz-related activities. The suspension was announced through an internal memorandum issued from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and dated Friday, 16th January 2026.
According to the memorandum referenced EBSU/VC/149/Vol.VIII/132, the university management received a formal complaint alleging that students from the Faculties of Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, as well as the Medical College, were directed to pay a sum of One Thousand Naira (₦1,000) each for a Physics quiz. The payment was reportedly demanded without the approval or authorization of the university management.
The document further stated that class representatives were instructed to collect the money on behalf of Prof. Umahi, who is the Head of the Industrial Physics Department. Afterward, the class representatives were allegedly instructed by Prof. Umahi to reduce the amount to Five Hundred Naira (₦500) per student. Despite the reduction, the university management described the act as a clear case of extortion.
In response to the allegations, the university management ordered the immediate suspension of Prof. Edmund Umahi. As part of the disciplinary action, he is to be placed on half salary pending the outcome of a full investigation into the matter. The memorandum emphasized that the suspension is necessary to allow for a proper and unbiased investigation.
Additionally, Prof. Umahi has been directed to hand over all university property under his custody to the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences. This handover is expected to take immediate effect to ensure administrative continuity within the department during the period of suspension.
The case has also been forwarded to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for further review and necessary disciplinary action. The committee is expected to investigate the allegations thoroughly and make recommendations based on its findings, in line with the university’s rules and regulations governing staff conduct.
The memorandum was signed by Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), acting on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University. A copy of the memo was also addressed to the Vice-Chancellor for official records.
This development has sparked discussions within the university community, particularly among students, as it highlights the institution’s stance against unauthorized levies and financial exploitation. Over the years, students in many Nigerian universities have raised concerns about illegal charges imposed under various academic pretexts, including quizzes, handouts, and departmental activities.
The EBSU management’s swift response signals a strong commitment to protecting students from unauthorized financial demands and maintaining discipline among staff. It also serves as a warning to academic and administrative staff against engaging in practices that violate university policies or exploit students.
As investigations continue, the university community awaits the outcome of the disciplinary process and any further official statements from the management. Studentsdash will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
