Yakubu Gowon University expels 28 students over exam malpractice, drug possession and serious misconduct, Senate confirms

The Senate of the Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja, has approved the expulsion of 28 students over offences ranging from examination malpractice to drug possession and other serious misconduct.

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The decision was taken at the institution’s 191st regular Senate meeting after members considered and adopted the report of the Student Disciplinary Committee.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob.

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.

In addition to the expulsions, the Senate approved the withdrawal of certificates previously issued to 15 former students who failed to honour repeated invitations by the disciplinary committee.

Nine students were cleared of wrongdoing after investigations, while 33 others received formal warnings for offences such as hostel racketeering, conspiracy and fighting.

Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the institution would not compromise its standards or tolerate actions capable of undermining academic integrity and campus safety.

Prof Hakeem Fawehinmi described academic integrity as sacrosanct and stated that any student who violates university regulations would face appropriate sanctions.

Prof Hakeem Fawehinmi added that while discipline would be firmly enforced, the university remains committed to guiding students towards responsible citizenship and academic excellence.

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The university also announced plans to strengthen student engagement, counselling and orientation programmes in a bid to prevent future infractions and maintain a safe learning environment for staff and students alike.