University of Abuja Takes Strict Disciplinary Action Against Students and Alumni
The University of Abuja, also known as UNIABUJA, has officially ratified the expulsion of 28 students and revoked the certificates of 15 former students due to serious disciplinary breaches. This decisive action underscores the institution's commitment to maintaining academic integrity and enforcing its code of conduct.
Details of the Expulsions and Sanctions
According to reports from The Punch on Monday, February 23, 2026, the expelled students were found guilty of a range of offences. These include examination malpractice, theft, involvement in cult-related activities, conspiracy, assault, burglary, possession and use of hard drugs, falsification of admission results, and repeated failure to appear before the disciplinary committee. The university's senate approved these expulsions during its 191st regular meeting held on Thursday, January 28, based on recommendations from the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC).
In addition to the expulsions, the institution withdrew the certificates of 15 alumni who ignored multiple invitations from the disciplinary committee. This move highlights the university's zero-tolerance policy towards non-compliance with its disciplinary processes.
Exonerations and Warnings Issued
The university also disclosed that nine undergraduates were exonerated after thorough investigations cleared them of any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, 33 other students received warnings for various infractions, such as fighting, hostel racketeering, and conspiracy. This balanced approach demonstrates the institution's effort to ensure fairness while upholding discipline.
A statement from Habib Yakoob, the acting director of information and university relations, emphasized that the sanctions were necessary to address serious misconduct. The statement read, "The senate of the University of Abuja has approved the expulsion of twenty-eight students over various disciplinary offences. The affected students were found culpable of serious misconduct, including 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."
University's Broader Initiatives and Context
In related news, the University of Abuja, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, has been selected as one of six Nigerian universities to benefit from the 2026 Special Intervention for Health Professions (SHIP) programme. This joint initiative by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will provide UNIABUJA with N4 billion to expand infrastructure and acquire equipment for its health-related faculties. The grant followed a successful bidding process led by Prof. Titus Ibekwe, the provost of the College of Health Sciences.
Other universities selected for the 2026 SHIP funding include Bayero University, Kano; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; Modibbo Adama University, Yola; Rivers State University, Port Harcourt; and Abia State University.
Furthermore, it was earlier reported that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) resolved to rename the University of Abuja to 'Yakubu Gowon University' in honour of the former military ruler. This name change, disclosed by Mohammed Idris, the minister of information, after a FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, is pending approval from the National Assembly.
The disciplinary actions at UNIABUJA reflect a broader trend in Nigerian higher education institutions cracking down on misconduct to preserve academic standards and student safety.
