AJC Ruling on Impersonation & Lying to a University Official

AJC Ruling on Impersonation & Lying to a University Official On Wednesday, 23rd September 2026, the Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC) convened to hear and deliberate on allegations involving a student from the Class of 2029 who was charged with lying to a university official and impersonating a family member. Background to the Case: Due to a change in major, a student from the Class of 2029 had been informed that they would not remain with their entry cohort and was advised to complete prerequisite courses to remain on track for graduation. The student expressed a desire to remain with their entry cohort and was advised to speak with the Head of Department for their major. The student later placed a call to a member of staff presenting themselves as a parent to follow up on the decision again concerning the student’s course enrolment. The student subsequently created an email address using the parent’s name and sent an email to the Head of Department, again presenting themselves as the parent. It was later established that the parent was unaware of both the enquiry and the email sent on their behalf. Upon becoming aware of the matter, the student sent an email to apologize to the member of staff and the Head of Department. The matter was referred to the Dean of Students, who contacted the student for a statement. Following a review of the matter and the student’s response, the case was escalated to the Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC) for adjudication. At the Hearing: With respect to the charge of impersonating a family member via phone and email, the student admitted to the charge. Verdict & Recommendations: After deliberating, the AJC found the student guilty of impersonation and lying and concluded that the student will receive a two-semester suspension from the university (January–August 2027). As stated in the Student’s Handbook: Section 7.4: Students must provide truthful and accurate information in all interactions with the University and must not knowingly provide false information or misrepresent facts to any university office. Students who provide false information may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal. Advice to the Ashesi Community: The University expects all students to uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability in their interactions with university officials and members of the community. Attempts to obtain a desired outcome by misrepresenting one’s identity or acting on behalf of another person without their knowledge undermines the trust that is essential to our community. Students should understand that their entry cohort is not a fixed condition of their academic journey. Changes to majors, course requirements, individual academic progression plans, and other circumstances may result in a student being moved to a different cohort. These decisions are made based on each student’s academic circumstances and in the interest of keeping them on track for graduation. Students are therefore encouraged to approach changes to their progression plans with flexibility and to seek guidance and support from the appropriate university officials. Attempts to circumvent established academic processes in order to remain with a particular cohort or group of friends are inappropriate and may result in disciplinary action. The AJC’s decision serves as a reminder that these standards apply to all members of the university community, and that breaches will be addressed through the University’s established disciplinary processes. We encourage all students to familiarize themselves with the expectations and standards outlined in the Student Handbook and to seek appropriate guidance from university officials when they have questions or concerns about academic or administrative decisions. We trust that this case will serve as a learning experience for our community. Honesty is very important at Ashesi and is central to our mission: To train a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate within our students the critical thinking skills, concern for others, and the courage it will take to transform a continent. Remember, this mission applies to all no matter the circumstances.