University Of Abuja Alumni Rejects Exam Amnesty, Threatens Legal Action

A group of former students under the banner of Concerned Alumni of the University of Abuja has called for the immediate resignation of Prof Lar Patricia Manko the Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University formerly known as University of Abuja They also demanded the dissolution of the university’s Senate

This follows the Senate’s decision to grant amnesty to students who had previously been sanctioned for examination malpractice spanning from the 2020 2021 academic session to the first semester of 2024 2025

Alumni Outraged by Amnesty Policy

The group described the Senate’s action as deeply troubling and warned that it poses a serious threat to the credibility of the institution

In a statement signed by Barrister Mohammad Usman and Oluwaseun Akintola on Sunday the group issued a seven day ultimatum to the university to reverse the decision or face legal action

⁠When we first saw the news on our alumni WhatsApp platforms many of us dismissed it as fake To our knowledge the university has never granted amnesty to students caught cheating in examinations

Wider Damage to Institutional Reputation

The alumni expressed concern over the impact of the decision on the university’s academic standing warning that it could further diminish the value of the institution’s degrees

⁠At a time when the school’s academic reputation is struggling this action could reduce the university to nothing more than a glorified secondary school

⁠Where else in the world is amnesty granted to students expelled or rusticated for exam malpractice These are not militants seeking reintegration these are individuals who violated academic integrity What message are we sending to students who studied diligently

Senate Accused of Misplaced Priorities

The group also took aim at the 189th Regular Meeting of the University Senate held on May 28 2025 claiming that more pressing issues were overlooked in favour of the amnesty policy

⁠At a time when the university faces unresolved issues including land disputes with FCT authorities it is troubling that the Senate devoted its full session to granting amnesty for academic malpractice

Questions Raised Over Timing and Transparency

They further questioned the motives and timing behind the amnesty policy especially as Prof Manko’s acting tenure is due to end in one month

⁠Why would an outgoing Vice Chancellor preside over such a controversial policy shift

⁠Why were the names of beneficiaries not made public What prompted the urgency in granting amnesty just weeks before the Vice Chancellor’s tenure ends Are students simply to collect certificates or retake failed exams What happens to ongoing legal cases where students had previously lost at lower courts

Silence from Key Authorities Condemned

The alumni also expressed disappointment over the lack of reaction from the Minister of Education Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa and the National Universities Commission NUC

⁠Why was the amnesty limited to a specific academic period and who stands to benefit How do we sustain the morale of lecturers who resisted bribes and upheld academic integrity

⁠The morale of lecturers who risked personal safety to uphold academic standards is now at its lowest They are disillusioned after watching the institution’s leadership undo their efforts for political or financial reasons

University Defends Its Position

Responding to the backlash the university through its Acting Director of Information and University Relations Dr Habib Yakoob defended the Senate’s decision stating that the action was taken in good faith

⁠The students who benefited from this amnesty cut across all faculties and levels The decision was the result of careful consideration and aimed at ensuring fairness in academic justice

This development has sparked widespread debate around academic integrity policy reform and the credibility of university governance in Nigeria The alumni’s strong reaction reflects growing frustration among stakeholders who fear that such policies could undermine merit and devalue certificates earned through genuine effort With the university leadership under pressure and legal threats looming the coming days could prove decisive for the future direction of the institution