Nigerian University Rusticates 37 Students for Creating WhatsApp Group

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has rusticated 37 students for the 2024/2025 academic session over their alleged involvement in activities deemed disruptive to public order. The university accused the students of “criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance of public peace, and cyber-stalking” following their participation in a WhatsApp group allegedly created to organize a protest.

The protest was reportedly aimed at opposing the university’s decision to introduce a third semester. Upon discovering the group, the university summoned the affected students before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee for questioning.

During its 123rd Regular Meeting on October 31, 2024, the University Senate reviewed the committee’s findings and approved the students’ rustication. A letter titled “Rustication for One Academic Session”, signed by Registrar Dr. Bala I. Ahmed, officially informed the students of the decision and was copied to key university officials. The letter instructed the students to stay off campus unless granted written permission.

The university stated that the students would be allowed to resume in the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic session but must be accompanied by their parents or guardians. Additionally, they are required to submit a written undertaking pledging good behavior for the remainder of their studies.