In a significant move, 37 students from Nasarawa State University have been expelled for one academic session, the 2024/2025 session, following their involvement in a planned protest.
The expelled students were accused of engaging in “criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, and cyber-stalking,” which prompted the university’s decision to take disciplinary action. According to the official announcement, the sanctions were communicated to the students through a letter signed by the school Registrar, Dr. Bala Ahmed.
The letter specifically outlined the sanctions, noting that the Chief Security Officer and other relevant university departments have been instructed to ensure strict enforcement of these measures. The letter, titled “Rustication for One Academic Session,” highlights the students’ involvement in a WhatsApp group allegedly created to organize protests against the introduction of a third semester in the university's academic calendar. This was cited as a significant breach of the institution's peace and order, which the university deemed unacceptable.
As a result of their actions, the affected students have been directed to stay off campus unless they obtain written permission from the university. The letter further mentioned that these students would be allowed to resume their studies in the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic session, contingent upon their return with a parent or guardian and the submission of a written pledge of good conduct. This condition underscores the university’s intention to foster a sense of responsibility and discipline among the students who were involved in the protest planning.
The expelled students come from various academic departments, including Public and International Law, Computer Science, Microbiology, Sociology, and Urban and Regional Planning, illustrating the widespread nature of the protest and the involvement of students from multiple disciplines. The university emphasized that the disciplinary action, referred to as rustication, is intended to serve as both a corrective and punitive measure, urging the affected students to adhere to the institution's rules and regulations for their own benefit. The university reiterated that this decision was made in the best interest of maintaining peace, order, and academic integrity within the university community.