{
  "id": 14730755,
  "title": "Abia varsity warns staff against extorting students, selling unapproved books",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/abia-varsity-warns-staff-against-extorting-students-selling",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T15:52:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/abia-varsity-warns-staff-against-extorting-students-selling-unapproved-books/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Abia State University in Uturu has warned its staff against various forms of misconduct, including extortion of students, selling unauthorized books, and making negative remarks about Governor Alex Otti. An internal memo, dated October 12, 2026, was sent to all teaching and non-teaching staff by the Acting Registrar, Dr Joy Nwankwo. The university's Governing Council has observed that many employees are violating the conditions of their service. The memo lists several breaches, such as selling textbooks to students despite the Senate's stance, frequent tardiness, unapproved absences without official permission, and extortion of money from both staff and students for routine services. Other misconducts include failing to return from approved leave and continuing to receive salaries for uncompleted work, as well as making derogatory comments about the university's administration. The university also prohibits the use of students to invigilate exams and warns against various other violations of its code of conduct and academic regulations. It stated that the Governing Council has decided to impose serious disciplinary measures on employees found guilty of these misconducts.",
  "summary": "Abia State University has threatened serious disciplinary action against staff found guilty of extorting students, selling books, and other misconducts. Read More: https://punchng.com/abia-varsity-warns-staff-against-extorting-students-selling-unapproved-books/",
  "key_points": [
    "Abia State University warns staff against extortion of students.",
    "Selling unauthorized books to students is prohibited.",
    "Negative remarks about Governor Alex Otti are discouraged."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Abia varsity warns staff against extorting students, selling unapproved books",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/abia-varsity-warns-staff-against-extorting-students-selling-14732259",
        "published": "2026-10-15T16:00:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}