By UCHE BIBILARI

The Senate of the University of Abuja, has approved the expulsion of 28 students, over various disciplinary offences.

The university disclosed this in a statement by Dr Habib Yakoob, acting Director, Information and University Relations, issued to newsmen on Sunday Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institution is now known as the Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.

Yakoob said that the decision to expel the students was taken at the regular meeting of the Senate, following consideration of the report and recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC).

He explained that the offences for which the affected students were found culpable included threat to life and assault, examination malpractice, conspiracy, burglary, theft, cult-related activities, as well as possession and use of hard drugs.

He listed other offences as falsification of ‘O’ Level results uploaded on the university’s portal for admission, as well as failure to appear before the disciplinary committee, after repeated invitations.

The university’s spokesperson disclosed that the senate also approved the withdrawal of certificates of 15 former students, who failed to honour invitations by the committee in spite of several notices.

He said that nine students were exonerated after investigations, while 33 others received warnings for various infractions, including conspiracy, hostel racketeering and fighting.

The Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate of the university, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, while reacting to the development, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment.

Fawehinmi stated that the institution would continue to uphold discipline and enforce its rules and regulations without compromise.

He commended the SDC for its thorough and diligent handling of the cases, while urging the students to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could jeopardise their academic pursuits.

“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 toward responsible citizenship and academic excellence,” he said.

The vice-chancellor added that the university would continue to strengthen student engagement, counseling, and orientation programmes, aimed at promoting responsible conduct and preventing disciplinary infractions. (NAN)

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