Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has rusticated 37 students for one academic session over allegations of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance of public peace, and cyber-stalking. The disciplinary action stems from the students’ involvement in creating a WhatsApp group allegedly aimed at organizing a protest against the university’s decision to introduce a third semester.
According to university documents dated December 9, 2024, and January 21, 2025, the affected students were summoned before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, which found them guilty of misconduct. Their rustication was approved by the Senate during its 123rd Regular Meeting on October 31, 2024.
In a letter titled “Rustication for One Academic Session” and signed by the Registrar, Dr. Bala I. Ahmed, the university outlined the disciplinary measures against the students:
“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 Third Semester and your subsequent appearance before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.”
The letter further stated: “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 university directed the rusticated students to stay away from the institution’s premises unless granted written permission. Their return in the 2025/2026 First Semester is conditional upon them appearing with their parent/guardian and submitting a letter of undertaking to maintain good behavior throughout their studentship.
“During the period of rustication, you shall keep away from the University premises unless authorized in writing to come.
“You are to resume for full academic program in the First Semester of 2025/2026 Academic Session with your parent/guardian and a letter of undertaking promising to be of good behaviour throughout your studentship in the University.”
To ensure compliance, the Chief Security Officer and other university authorities have been directed to enforce the decision.
An internal memo from the Students’ Disciplinary Committee dated January 23, 2025, stated that the affected students were given an opportunity to defend themselves before disciplinary action was taken.
“In fairness to you, the Students’ Disciplinary Committee is inviting you to appear before it by 11:00 am, prompt, Thursday, January 23rd, 2025.”
The list of rusticated students spans multiple faculties, including Public and International Law, Computer Science, Sociology, Microbiology, and Science Laboratory Technology.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions within and outside the university. Some students argue that protest planning should not be criminalized, while others believe that the university acted within its rights to maintain discipline.
The case has also raised concerns about the limits of digital activism in Nigerian universities and the extent to which students can exercise their right to express grievances without facing punitive measures.
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