UniAbuja expels 28 students
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has taken decisive action against indiscipline on its campus by expelling 28 students for a range of serious misconduct, including drug possession, examination malpractice, cultism, result forgery, and other criminal offences, according to a statement issued by the institution’s management.
The decision was reached during the 191st Regular Senate Meeting of the institution, now formally named Yakubu Gowon University, after the Senate considered a detailed report and recommendations from the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC).
Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, disclosed the Senate’s action in a statement on Sunday, saying the expelled students were found culpable of offences that violate the university’s codes of conduct and threaten academic integrity.
Serious misconduct and offences
According to official reports, the 28 students were expelled for offences that included:
- Threat to life and assault
- Examination malpractice
- Possession and use of hard drugs
- Cult-related activities
- Burglary, theft and conspiracy
- Falsification of ‘O’ Level results uploaded on the university admission portal
- Failure to appear before the disciplinary committee after repeated invitations
In addition to the expulsions, the university’s Senate also approved the withdrawal of certificates earlier issued to 15 former students who failed to honour repeated invitations by the disciplinary committee to answer allegations against them.
The disciplinary measures reflect a zero-tolerance stance by university authorities against behaviours that undermine academic standards and campus safety.
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Students cleared and warned
Not all students involved in the disciplinary review faced the harshest penalties. According to the statement, nine students were cleared of wrongdoing after investigations found no evidence to support allegations against them.
In a related outcome, 33 other students received formal warnings for lesser infractions, such as hostel racketeering, conspiracy, and fighting — issues that the institution says it will continue to monitor and address.
The combination of expulsions, certificate withdrawals, exonerations and warnings illustrates the university’s effort to balance punitive action with fairness and due process.
Leadership’s response
Reacting to the disciplinary actions, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja and Chairman of the Senate, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to enforcing rules and preserving academic integrity.
“The academic integrity of the university is sacrosanct, and we are determined that anyone who violates it will be appropriately sanctioned,” Prof. Fawehinmi said, according to reports.
He stressed that the goal of such sanctions is not only to punish but also to guide students toward responsible citizenship and academic excellence.
“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 added.
Context and broader concerns
The expulsions come amid broader concerns about cultism, drug abuse, examination fraud and general misconduct in universities across Nigeria, where cases of indiscipline have threatened the reputation of tertiary institutions.
In recent years, student organisations, academic leaders and policymakers have repeatedly flagged rising incidents of criminal behaviour and unethical conduct among students, leading to increased calls for universities to enforce stricter disciplinary measures.
The University of Abuja’s actions follow this trend, signalling that institutions may no longer tolerate behaviours that compromise learning environments and endanger the welfare of students and staff.
What it means for UniAbuja
The Senate’s decision to expel students and revoke certificates is a strong message that misconduct will have lasting consequences — not just for current students, but for alumni as well.
Withdrawal of certificates from former students who failed to cooperate with disciplinary processes underscores the institution’s determination to hold individuals accountable regardless of their current status.
Nine students being cleared also shows that the university’s disciplinary system is not punitive for its own sake but is intended to distinguish between proven cases and allegations without evidence.
Overall, the disciplinary action is meant to protect academic credibility, deter misconduct and foster a culture of responsibility, in line with the university’s strategic goals.
Reactions from the academic community
Although there has been no widespread public reaction yet from student associations, alumni or academic bodies, commentators say such decisive actions may prompt further debates on student welfare, counselling support, and preventive measures to curb misconduct.
Some education advocates argue that while sanctions are necessary, institutions must also invest in preventive education, mentorship and support services to help students make better choices.
Conclusion
The University of Abuja’s Senate has taken strong disciplinary steps by expelling 28 students over misconduct and drug offences, withdrawing certificates of 15 former students, and issuing warnings to others for lesser infractions. The institution’s leadership has made clear that maintaining academic integrity and a safe learning environment are top priorities.
The move reflects ongoing efforts by Nigerian universities to tackle indiscipline, cultivate responsible student behaviour and reinforce the standards that uphold the quality and reputation of higher education in the country.
UniAbuja expels 28 students
