The management of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has suspended four lecturers and a class representative indefinitely for sorting, also known as extortion.

The disciplinary measure underscores the university’s commitment to uphold academic excellence and integrity.

Sorting refers to a practice where students pay cash or offer favours to receive undeserved marks from lecturers following examinations or assessments.

The individuals suspended are affiliated with the ESUT College of Medicine, known as ESUCOM, according to a report by ESUT Monitor.

In an interview, the university’s Registrar, Mr Ambrose Ugwu, revealed that the suspensions were due to their alleged involvement in extortion aimed at securing grade upgrades.

Ugwu explained that the lecturers allegedly collaborated with the class representatives, who acted as intermediaries in soliciting money from students, claiming they had either failed the lecturers’ exams or received poor grades.

“In the College of Medicine, we have suspended four lecturers for soliciting payments from students to improve their results. Some class reps have been known to go around, after marking exams, collecting small amounts from students in exchange for ensuring that the lecturers upgrade their marks.

“Consequently, four lecturers and the class representative have been suspended indefinitely. In the future, we may disclose additional details,” the Registrar stated.

However, Mr Ugwu did not reveal the names of the suspended lecturers, emphasising that their cases are still under investigation.

It is worth noting that in August 2024, ESUT dismissed six lecturers over issues related to certificate forgery, sexual harassment, and grade alteration.