The Senate of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has approved the expulsion of 28 students following findings of serious disciplinary violations, including cult-related activities, examination malpractice, possession and use of hard drugs, threats to life, assault, conspiracy, burglary, theft, and falsification of academic records.
The decision was reached at the institution's 191st Regular Meeting of the Senate, held on Thursday, January 28, 2026. It came after a thorough review of reports and recommendations submitted by the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC). The university announced the outcome in a statement issued on Sunday, February 22, 2026, by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob.
According to the statement, the affected students were found culpable of a range of grave offences that undermine academic integrity, campus safety, and the overall ethical standards of the institution. Specific infractions included:
Threat to life and physical assault
Conspiracy and involvement in criminal acts such as burglary and theft
Cultism and related secret society activities
Possession and use of hard drugs
Examination malpractice
Falsification of 'O' Level results uploaded on the university's admission portal
Repeated failure to appear before the disciplinary committee despite multiple invitations
In addition to the expulsions, the Senate approved the withdrawal of certificates previously issued to 15 former students (alumni) who ignored repeated summons from the SDC to address similar allegations. Nine other students were exonerated after investigations cleared them of wrongdoing, while 33 received official warnings for lesser infractions, including conspiracy, hostel racketeering, and fighting.
Dr. Yakoob emphasized that the university remains committed to maintaining a disciplined and conducive learning environment. The actions underscore UniAbuja's zero-tolerance policy toward antisocial behavior, particularly cultism, drug abuse, and academic dishonesty—issues that have plagued many Nigerian tertiary institutions in recent years.
The expulsions align with broader efforts by Nigerian universities to curb cultism and related vices, which often lead to violence, intimidation, and disruptions on campuses. UniAbuja, located in the Federal Capital Territory, has previously warned incoming students against such conduct during matriculation ceremonies, including the recent one for the 2025/2026 session where over 8,000 fresh students were admitted.
Reports from credible sources, including Punch Newspapers, Vanguard, The Guardian, Daily Post, PM News, and The Cable, have corroborated the details of the expulsions. The move has been described as a firm step to safeguard campus security and uphold merit-based academic processes.
The university has not released the names of the expelled students or their specific faculties and levels, citing privacy and procedural considerations. However, the offences span various departments, with some cases dating back to earlier academic sessions, such as examination malpractice in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences linked to the 2015/2016 period in related reports.
This development occurs amid ongoing national concerns over student indiscipline, including drug-related issues and cult clashes that occasionally result in fatalities or injuries. Educational stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration between institutions, security agencies, and parents to address root causes like peer pressure, socioeconomic factors, and inadequate counseling.
UniAbuja's Senate action serves as a deterrent message to current and prospective students, reinforcing that violations of the university's code of conduct will attract severe sanctions, up to and including permanent expulsion. The institution has reiterated its dedication to enforcing rules strictly to foster an environment focused on learning, research, and character development.
As the affected students face the consequences of their actions, the university continues to prioritize the welfare and safety of its larger community of over 50,000 students and staff.
