ABUJA — The Senate of the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, has wielded the big stick, expelling 28 students and withdrawing the certificates of 15 former students over a range of disciplinary offences.
The sweeping sanctions were approved at the institution’s 191st Regular Senate Meeting after deliberations on the report of the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC).
According to a statement issued by Dr. Habib Yakoob, Acting Director of the Information Directorate, the affected students were found culpable of serious infractions, including threat to life and assault, examination malpractice, conspiracy, burglary, theft, cult-related activities, possession and use of hard drugs, falsification of ‘O’ Level results, and repeated failure to honour invitations from the disciplinary committee.
In a firm demonstration of zero tolerance, Senate also approved the withdrawal of certificates previously awarded to 15 former students who ignored multiple summons by the committee during investigations into alleged misconduct.
However, the disciplinary process also cleared some students. Nine were exonerated after investigations found no evidence against them, while 33 others received official warnings for offences ranging from conspiracy and hostel racketeering to fighting.
Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, reaffirmed the university’s resolve to maintain order and protect the integrity of its academic standards.
He stressed that the institution remains committed to providing a safe and conducive learning environment, adding that rules and regulations would continue to be enforced without compromise.
The decisive action signals a renewed determination by the university’s management to sanitize the campus and safeguard its reputation as a citadel of learning.
Education stakeholders say the move sends a strong message that misconduct — whether academic fraud, criminal behaviour or cult-related activity — will not be tolerated.
With the expulsions and certificate withdrawals now in effect, the university appears poised to tighten internal monitoring mechanisms while reinforcing its culture of discipline and accountability.
For students and alumni alike, the message from Yakubu Gowon University is unmistakable: integrity remains non-negotiable.
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