Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State, has expelled two students for alleged involvement in gay practices. The disciplinary action was confirmed in a statement issued Friday by the university's Information and Public Relations Unit, which said expulsion letters had been sent to the affected students. The letters were signed by the Deputy Registrar (Academics), Eli Gbadafu.
Expelled Students Identified
The expelled students are Onumoko Hamza, a Biology Education student, and Abdulazeez Eneji, a Mining Engineering student. According to the statement, the disciplinary measures were approved at the 31st Regular Meeting of the University Senate, held at the Faculty of Law Lecture Theatre. The Senate considered recommendations from the Students' Disciplinary Committee before reaching its decision. The university did not disclose the time or location of the alleged offences.
Disciplinary Basis
The expulsions were carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Students’ Handbook, Second Edition (as amended in 2025). The university management reiterated its commitment to maintaining discipline and order, warning that it would not hesitate to take decisive action against any student found guilty of violating university rules and regulations. “The disciplinary measures were approved at the 31st Regular Meeting of the University Senate, following consideration of recommendations from the Students’ Disciplinary Committee,” the management stated. “Students are advised to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Students’ Handbook and conduct themselves accordingly.”
Rustication for Fighting
In addition to the expulsions, the management approved the rustication of four other students for engaging in a fight. Favour Akowe (Microbiology) and Simbiat Babamuharuna (Biology) were suspended for one academic session. Zainab Omayoza and Sukura Bukola (both Biochemistry) were also suspended for one academic session. The university reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct.
Legal Context in Nigeria
Homosexual relationships are illegal in Nigeria. The country’s anti-gay law, enacted in January 2014 under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, stipulates a 14-year prison term for anyone convicted of same-sex sexual acts. The federal government tested the law in December 2019 when 47 men arrested by police in a Lagos hotel were arraigned in court on charges of publicly displaying same-sex affection. All 47 defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail. A federal judge later struck out the charges due to a lack of diligent prosecution by the police. CUSTECH's expulsion of the two students underscores the strict enforcement of anti-gay policies within Nigerian educational institutions.
