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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Senate of the University of Abuja has expelled 28 students over offences ranging from cult-related activities to examination malpractice and drug possession, in what officials describe as a decisive move to safeguard academic standards and campus security.
The decision was reached during the institution’s 191st Regular Senate Meeting after deliberations on the findings of the Student Disciplinary Committee.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, and reported by TheCable, the university said the affected students were found guilty of grave misconduct.
According to the statement, “the affected students were found culpable of serious misconduct, including assault, conspiracy, burglary, theft, falsification of ‘O’ Level results uploaded on the university portal for admission, as well as possession and use of hard drugs.”
Beyond the expulsions, the Senate also approved the withdrawal of certificates earlier awarded to 15 former students who repeatedly failed to honour invitations by the disciplinary committee. The university said their non-compliance obstructed ongoing investigations into alleged infractions.
However, nine students were cleared of wrongdoing after investigations found no evidence to substantiate the allegations against them. Another 33 students were issued formal warnings for offences such as hostel racketeering, conspiracy, and fighting.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, stressed that the institution would not lower its standards or tolerate actions capable of eroding academic credibility and campus peace.
“The academic integrity of the university is sacrosanct, and we are determined that anyone who violates it will be appropriately sanctioned.
“Our goal is not only to enforce discipline but also to guide our students towards responsible citizenship and academic excellence,” he said.
Fawehinmi further assured that the management remains resolute in fostering a secure and enabling learning environment for both students and staff.
“We will continue to uphold discipline and enforce our rules and regulations without compromise. At the same time, we are strengthening student engagement, counselling, and orientation programmes to promote responsible conduct and prevent future infractions,” he said.
The disciplinary measures as implored is a clampdown by the university authorities amid rising concerns about cultism, examination fraud, and other social vices common Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.