**A Professor Stands Up for Academic Integrity: The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Saga** In the halls of learning, a storm has been brewing in the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Awka. A Professor of Political Economy and Development Studies, Chike Osegbue, has been suspended for three months for standing up to what he believes is academic dishonesty. At the centre of the controversy is the issue of students being awarded grades without meeting the required attendance and eligibility criteria. Professor Osegbue, a leading candidate in the Vice-chancellor selection process, recently found himself at the receiving end of a disciplinary action. The Vice-chancellor, citing the alleged refusal to teach a postgraduate course, PSC 811 – Environmental Politics and Sustainable Development, suspended him for three months. However, Professor Osegbue maintains that he could not administer examinations to students who failed to meet the university's guidelines. According to Professor Osegbue, the students in question were admitted less than a month to the exams and did not attend lectures as required by the university's regulations. He argues that the Postgraduate Board failed to follow due process in admitting these students, which has implications for the integrity of the university and public perception of its academic standards. The professor's stance has sparked a heated debate within the academic community. While some have defended his position, others have accused him of being inflexible and unwilling to compromise. Nevertheless, Professor Osegbue remains resolute, insisting that academic integrity must be upheld at all costs. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the COOU saga highlights the challenges faced by our universities in maintaining academic standards. It is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge must be guided by the principles of integrity, honesty, and accountability. As we navigate the complexities of university governance, we must prioritize the values that underpin academic excellence. In conclusion, Professor Osegbue's suspension serves as a wake-up call for our universities to re-examine their academic practices and ensure that they are aligned with the highest standards of integrity. By standing up for what is right, Professor Osegbue has sparked a much-needed conversation about the importance of academic integrity in our institutions of higher learning.