Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki (EBSU), has suspended the Head of the Department of Industrial Physics, Prof. Edmund Umahi, following allegations of extorting money from students.

An internal memorandum dated January 16, 2026, and issued from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, stated that management received a formal complaint that students from the Faculties of Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, as well as the Medical College, were directed to pay ₦1,000 each for a physics quiz.

According to the memo, the class representative was instructed to collect the money on behalf of Prof. Umahi without the approval of the university management. The amount was later reportedly reduced to ₦500 per student.

The university management described the action as a “clear case of extortion” and consequently ordered the immediate suspension of the professor. He is to be placed on half salary pending the conclusion of investigations into the matter.

As part of the directive, Prof. Umahi has also been asked to hand over all university property in his possession to the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences.

It read; “Management today, Friday, 16th January, 2026, received formal complaint that students in Faculties of Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources Management and Medical College were asked to pay One Thousand Naira (₦1,000.00) for quiz Physics Code.

“The Class Rep were directed to collect the money on behalf of Prof. Edmund Umahi, the Head of Department, without Management’s approval. Later on, the Class Rep was instructed by Prof. Umahi to reduce it to Five Hundred Naira (₦500.00).

“This is a pure case of extortion, and in view of this, the HOD, Prof. Edmund Umahi should be suspended immediately and placed on half salary for proper investigation to be carried out.

“He should handover all University property under his custody to the Dean, Faculty of Sciences.”

The memo further indicated that the case has been forwarded to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for appropriate action.

The suspension letter was signed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.