EBSU Suspends Physics Professor Over Student Extortion

Ebonyi State University (EBSU) in Abakaliki has suspended Prof. Edmund Umahi, Head of the Department of Industrial Physics, amid allegations of extorting money from students. The incident, detailed in an internal memo dated January 16, 2026, highlights tensions over unauthorized fees in Nigerian higher education. University management acted swiftly, labeling the conduct as extortion and referring the matter for further investigation. ​

Incident Details

Management received complaints that Prof. Umahi directed students from the Faculties of Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, and the Medical College to pay N1,000 each for a “Physics Quiz Code.” Class representatives collected the funds on his behalf without approval, though he later reduced the fee to N500 per student. The memo, signed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, deems this a “pure case of extortion.” 

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Suspension Measures

Prof. Umahi faces immediate suspension with half salary pending probe by the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee. He must hand over all university property to the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences. No updates on the investigation’s progress have emerged as of January 18, 2026, though social media reports confirm the memo’s circulation. ​

Broader Implications

The case underscores economic strains on Nigerian academics, where professorial rank offers limited financial security amid rising living costs. Critics argue it reflects deeper issues like inadequate salaries pushing lecturers toward unethical shortcuts, though the university prioritizes student welfare. Observers pity the professor’s potential career downfall over a minor sum, urging entrepreneurship as a supplement to academia.