A final year student of Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) has been expelled by the management of the institution over a Facebook post.
Vasue, a 400-level student of Political Science of the institution was rusticated over a post on Facebook about the eight months strike embarked upon by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities in 2022.
In one of his posts, Vasue made between March and June 2022, Vasue alleged that, “ASUU has always been of the notion that the Federal Government isn’t funding Federal Varsities; so why would the ASUU allow Accreditation of Federal Varsities to go successfully even as the prerequisites for granting accreditation which is adequate facilities were not in place only for the body (ASUU) to reverse after accreditation has been given to say the FG isn’t funding same varsities they made sure it scared through accreditation.”
Furthermore, he cited aan instance where a team from the National University Commission (NUC) came to his school for accreditation and asked a student if the school had Wi-FI (Campus Area Network) and the student said yes even though they had none in the school at the time.
The management of the FUNGUS in the latest development on Wednesday announced the expulsion of Vasue alongside six others over alleged misconduct.
The statement signed by the Information Officer of the university was titled ‘FUGUS Expels Seven Students, Rusticated Six For Misconduct.”
Part of the statement reads: “the Management of Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), Zamfara State has at its 82nd meeting held on 5th July, 2023 considered the report and recommendations forwarded to it by Students’ Disciplinary Committee and expelled seven students and rusticated six for gross misconducts.
“The affected students were proven to have engaged in various offences that contravened the laws and regulations governing the conducts of students in the University.
“The expulsions and rustications were conveyed on 7th July, 2023 by the University’s Ag. Academic Secretary, Malam Mu’awiyya Bello on behalf of the Registrar, Malam Yakubu Audu Anivbassa.
“Below are the names of the affected students: … (list of affected students) NB: The above students were punished for different offences/misconducts – ranging from burglary and stealing, assault, circulation of unverified information via social media and examination malpractice – offences that contravened the provisions of Section A, item (xxv), Page 62; Page 68, item (iv) on Regulations Governing the Conducts of students; and Section L, Page 69 – 73, item (i – xxv) of the Students’ Handbook.”
The statement by the university said Vasue is guilty of “circulation of unverified information on social media”.
Vasue who spoke with Sahara Reporters described his expulsion by the university as “unjust” and “a grave matter that has affected my life and future prospects as a student in Nigeria”.
He lamented suffering for “exercising my fundamental right to express my position on the ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) strike of 2022.”
His words: “I firmly believe in the principles of democracy and the right to free speech enshrined in our constitution.
“As a responsible citizen and student, I voiced my concerns and opinions about the prolonged ASUU strike, which has had a significant impact on the educational system in Nigeria.
“My intentions were not to cause any disruption or harm but to advocate for the prompt resolution of the issues at hand and the fair treatment of students affected by the strike.
“To my utmost dismay, my act of peaceful expression was met with an unjust and harsh reaction from the authorities at Federal University Gusau, Zamfara state.
“Instead of recognizing my right to freedom of speech, I was wrongfully accused of engaging in misconduct and subsequently expelled from the institution.
“I have never been involved in any form of theft, dishonesty, or examination malpractice, and my academic record attests to my commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics.
“This unfair expulsion has had severe repercussions on my academic and emotional well-being. I have been deprived of the right to pursue my education and achieve my dreams.
“The impact on my family has also been distressing, as they had great hopes for my future and invested considerable resources in my education.”
Thus he called on the Nigerian government to look into the matter, Vasue said, “I seek justice and restitution for the wrongs done to me and the restoration of my right to education.
“Moreover, I urge the Federal Government to take measures to protect the freedom of speech and expression for all Nigerian students, ensuring that no one else faces such injustice in the future.”