- Nasarawa State University Rusticates 37 Students for organising a protest through a WhatsApp group
- The affected students were accused of inciting public disturbances and cyber-stalking
- Netizens criticise the school’s move and call for the Student Union Government to intervene
The rustication of 37 students from Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), for allegedly creating a WhatsApp group to protest the university’s introduction of a third semester has resurfaced online, igniting widespread reactions on social media.
Many netizens have called on the Student Union Government (SUG) to intervene, arguing that the disciplinary action was excessive. Some have also questioned the university’s decision, while others debated the legality of penalising students for online activities.
According to official documents dated December 9, 2024, and January 21, 2025, the affected students were accused of criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbances, and cyber-stalking.
The rustication was approved by the university's Senate during its 123rd Regular Meeting on October 31, 2024, following a review of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee’s recommendations.
The rustication, which applies to the 2024/2025 academic session, prohibits the students from entering the university premises without written authorisation.
They are expected to resume their studies in the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic session but must do so with a parent or guardian and a signed letter of undertaking promising good behaviour.
A letter titled “Rustication for One Academic Session” and signed by the Registrar, Dr. Bala I. Ahmed, was distributed to various university authorities. The letter stated:
"You would recall a case of Criminal Conspiracy, Inciting Disturbance of Public Peace, and Cyber-stalking via a WhatsApp group, created with the aim of organising a protest against the University over the commencement of the Third Semester and your subsequent appearance before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.
"The Senate, at its 123rd Regular Meeting held on Thursday, 31 October 2024, considered and approved the recommendation of the Committee that you should be rusticated from the University for One Academic Session. You are hereby rusticated from the 2024/2025 Academic Session."
The letter further instructed the students to stay away from the university unless granted written permission and emphasised that the university’s Chief Security Officer and other relevant authorities had been directed to enforce compliance.
Before the rustication, the students were summoned by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, which stated that the measure was taken to ensure fairness.
An internal memo, titled “Invitation” and signed by Dogo Bitrus Moni, Secretary of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, listed the affected students along with their matriculation numbers, departments, and faculties.
The memo read:
"The Students’ Disciplinary Committee would be meeting on Thursday, 23rd January 2025, to deliberate on the students’ crisis that took place on 5th September 2024, after the SUG election. A report from the High-Powered Committee indicated that you have a case to answer."
"In fairness to you, the Students’ Disciplinary Committee is inviting you to appear before it by 11:00 am, prompt, Thursday, January 23rd, 2025."
Nigerians questioned the university’s decision to introduce a third semester, with some arguing that the administration has not provided sufficient justification for the policy.
Additionally, one netizen who claims to be a student of the school said the students were rusticated for planning a protest against the administration’s failure to announce the SUG election.
Netizens react as NSUK rusticates 37 students over planned protest
Here are some of the comments that trailed the news:
@dammygtnet commented: “This is like in a movie. I hope they are reinstated asap. Protest is a fundamental human right.”
@Ephims_Dave: “Totalitarianism has no business in a university. How do you even agree on having a third semester? Is this a secondary school? And how the hell are people who would be directly affected not have a say?”
@jeduthun_22: “Third semester is too much. This intentional extortion must stop”
@realnessØØØ: “That shouldn't cause their expulsion. I don't understand why protests are met with threats. People should be free to express their opinions on matters concerning their lives . Our school must be a venue where citizens' fundamental rights are upheld.”
@TheLordMayker: “This is legit grounds for student protest! Make all men mount with their placards so that they can expel everyone.”
@omoiyaolobiøø1: “Imagine this kind of VC as a governor or in a bigger office.”
@lanretam: “Thieves want to generate money. So far NUC approval is not given, it can never fly and they will be reinstated. Just imagine?”
@ameboblogs: “In the first place why would NAS university be planning to introduce 3rd semester are they using secondary education curriculum or wetin… Nigeria lecturers with all this rubbish learning style.. After 12 semesters no job and some would even spend 15 semester wtf 😬”
@AIabba3: “This is a false story, is my school and the university suspended the aforementioned students for planning a protest against the Administration for not announcing the SUG election.”
@HakunaOyinz: “Those expelled students should get a good lawyer to pursue a redress in Court for them, Protests is their fundamental constitution Rights.”
@TzDreamz: “Is that Nigeria education policy? Some people just wake up one morning to do whatever they like.”
@saveconsumers: “imagine! Anyway, knowing your rights is the very first step in dealing with this matter.”
Minister urges university unions to prioritise students' welfare
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, called on labour unions within the educational sector, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and others, to focus on the welfare and education of Nigerian students rather than resorting to strikes as a primary course of action.
The minister acknowledged the unions' persistent grievances, stemming from unfulfilled agreements by previous administrations, but assured the attendees of the current government’s resolve to meet its obligations.