Controversy has surrounded the decision of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja) to reinstate students previously expelled for examination malpractice, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio allegedly influencing the move, according to SaharaReporters.
According to a memo dated July 16 and signed by Deputy Registrar (Academic), Mustapha Tanimu, the University Senate at its 189th meeting on May 28 approved a blanket amnesty for students involved in examination misconduct between the 2020/2021 and 2024/2025 academic sessions. The management claimed the decision was due to delays in acting on recommendations from the Central Examination Misconduct Committee.
Documents obtained by SaharaReporters show that two students, Moore Emmanuel of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology and Bassey Gold Okon of Chemical Pathology, were among those reinstated despite earlier recommendations for expulsion. Emmanuel and Okon were caught using mobile phones during the June 2023 examinations.
Sources told SaharaReporters that Okon’s ties to Senator Akpabio were a key factor in the university’s decision, sparking allegations of favouritism. “The only reason for the reinstatement is because of the girl. Most of the other affected students have moved on,” a source alleged. Critics within the university community have questioned the integrity of the institution, with one remarking, “Are you a specialist in examination malpractice? Just go to the University of Abuja, and you will get amnesty!” University spokesperson Dr. Habibi Yakoob told SaharaReporters that he was unaware of the matter but promised to investigate.
