Reasons Behind UniAbuja’s Expulsion of 28 Students, Withdrawal of 15 Certificates

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja), now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, has expelled 28 students and revoked certificates of 15 graduates following findings of serious academic and disciplinary violations.

The decision was made at the 191st Regular Meeting of the University Senate held on Thursday, January 28, 2026, after reviewing reports and recommendations from the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC).

Reasons for Expulsion and Certificate Withdrawal

According to a statement signed by Dr. Habib Yakoob, Acting Director of Information and University Relations, the students were found guilty of offences including threats to life, physical assault, examination malpractice, conspiracy, burglary, theft, cult-related activities, possession and use of hard drugs, and falsification of O’Level results submitted during admission. Some students also failed to appear before the committee despite repeated invitations.

The 15 graduates had their certificates withdrawn for similar non-compliance, rendering their credentials null and void. Meanwhile, nine students were cleared after investigations, and 33 others received formal warnings for infractions including conspiracy, hostel racketeering, and fighting.

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University’s Commitment to Discipline

The Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to maintaining a safe, disciplined, and conducive learning environment. He emphasised that academic integrity is a core principle and that violations would be sanctioned without compromise.

Professor Fawehinmi praised the SDC for its thorough and diligent handling of cases and urged students to conduct themselves responsibly to safeguard their academic futures. He also highlighted ongoing university initiatives, including student engagement, counselling, and orientation programmes, aimed at preventing misconduct and promoting responsible citizenship and academic excellence.

The university described the actions as part of a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, reinforcing its commitment to upholding high moral and academic standards on campus.

Reasons Behind UniAbuja’s Expulsion of 28 Students, Withdrawal of 15 Certificates

UTME: JAMB Clarifies Position on Hijab During Biometric Capture

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that candidates are not required to remove their hijab during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration process.

The examination body issued the clarification following the circulation of a viral video alleging that a Muslim candidate was compelled to remove her hijab before capturing her biometric photograph at a registration centre.

In a statement addressing the controversy, JAMB dismissed claims of a policy prohibiting the use of hijab, describing such reports as misleading. The board reiterated that it respects candidates’ religious rights and does not mandate the removal of religious head coverings during registration.

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However, JAMB explained that during biometric data capture, candidates may be asked to adjust their head coverings slightly to ensure that key facial features are visible for proper identification. According to the board, this requirement is strictly for technical purposes and aligns with standard identification procedures used in official documentation processes.

The board emphasized that the adjustment does not equate to a ban on hijabs, noting that clear visibility of facial features is necessary to meet biometric verification standards and prevent identity-related issues.

JAMB urged the public to disregard misinformation and advised candidates and parents to seek clarification through official communication channels to avoid unnecessary panic.

The clarification comes amid growing public interest in ensuring that examination procedures remain inclusive while maintaining the integrity of the registration and identification process.

UTME: JAMB Clarifies Position on Hijab During Biometric Capture

Ogun Gov Rewards Nigeria’s Best Primary School Teacher with Car, Bungalow

Ogun Gov Rewards Nigeria’s Best Primary School Teacher Solanke Francis Taiwo with Car and Bungalow

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has honoured Mr Solanke Francis Taiwo, a primary school teacher at Ansa‑Ur‑Deen Main School I, Kemta Lawa, Abeokuta, with a brand new car and a two‑bedroom bungalow in recognition of his achievement as Nigeria’s Overall Best Primary School Teacher for the 2025/2026 academic year.

The presentation took place at the Governor’s Office in Oke‑Mosan, Abeokuta, with the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbagbu, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Oloko, in attendance. The gifts were part of a broader effort to motivate teachers, reward professional excellence, and highlight the state’s education reforms.

Speaking at the event, Prof Arigbagbu said the award demonstrates the effectiveness of the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda, which is built on six pillars including curriculum enhancement, school administration, innovation, infrastructure, funding, and teachers’ welfare. “When you do things consistently and efficiently, you record results. This same teacher won the Ogun State Best Teacher Award in October before clinching the national award in Abuja. This confirms that our education sector has been truly revitalised,” he said.

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Ogun Gov Rewards Nigeria’s Best Primary School Teacher Solanke Francis Taiwo with Car and Bungalow

He highlighted the state’s successes in national competitions, including the JETS contests, where Ogun students won 18 out of 24 awards in one year, with a single student claiming nine prizes. The commissioner also noted that Ogun’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model and education digitisation initiatives have attracted attention from other states and received commendation from the Federal Government and the National Board for Technical Education.

Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to teacher development, pledging continuous support through workshops, seminars, digital learning platforms, and AI-powered instructional tools. He said the gifts of a car and bungalow are intended to inspire other educators to strive for excellence and innovation in their teaching.

In his remarks, Mr Solanke expressed gratitude to the governor and the education ministry for fostering an enabling environment for teaching and learning. He vowed to continue improving student learning outcomes and collaborating with colleagues to ensure that Ogun State remains a leader in education excellence.

“I feel fulfilled and honoured. I will continue to give my best and encourage fellow teachers to remain dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student,” he said.

The recognition of Mr Solanke reflects Ogun State’s strategic investment in education, commitment to teacher welfare, and the effectiveness of policies that have positioned the state as a model for academic excellence in Nigeria.

Ogun Gov Rewards Nigeria’s Best Primary School Teacher with Car, Bungalow