UniAbuja Expels 28 Students Over Cultism, Drug-Related Offences

The Senate of the University of Abuja has approved the expulsion of 28 students over offences including cult-related activities, examination malpractice, drug possession and threats to life.

The decision was reached at the institution’s 191st Regular Senate Meeting after deliberation on a report presented by the Student Disciplinary Committee.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob, the university said the affected students were found guilty of serious misconduct. The offences include 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.

The Senate also approved the withdrawal of certificates earlier awarded to 15 former students who failed to honour repeated invitations by the disciplinary committee.

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

Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the university would not compromise its standards or tolerate actions that undermine academic integrity and campus safety.

“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 added that the institution remains committed to providing a safe and conducive learning environment, noting that efforts are being intensified in student engagement, counselling and orientation programmes to promote responsible conduct and prevent future infractions.

The move signals a renewed crackdown by the university management on indiscipline amid growing concerns over cultism, examination fraud and other criminal activities in tertiary institutions nationwide.