Top Nigerian Varsity Student Expelled for Facebook Post on Lecturers’ Strike, Seeks Justice

Cursory: FUGUS expelled a 400-level student, Iortim Philemon Vasue, for a critical Facebook post about the ASUU strike. The university expelled six other students and rusticated six more for different misconducts, including burglary, stealing, assault, spreading unverified information on social media, and exam malpractice.

The management of Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) in Zamfara State, Nigeria, has expelled a 400-level student named Iortim Philemon Vasue, who was studying Political Science, due to a post he made on Facebook regarding the eight-month strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in 2022. In his post, Vasue questioned the funding of federal universities by the government and criticized the accreditation process for universities.

Between March and June 2022, Vasue made posts on his Facebook page including one that says, “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.”

Additionally, he provided an example wherein a team from the National University Commission (NUC) visited his school for accreditation and inquired whether the institution had Wi-Fi (Campus Area Network). Surprisingly, a student answered affirmatively, despite the absence of Wi-Fi on the campus at that time.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), Zamfara State, announced the expulsion of seven students and the rustication of six others due to alleged misconduct. The statement, titled ‘FUGUS Expels Seven Students, Rusticated Six For Misconduct,’ was signed by the university’s Information Officer.

It stated that during the 82nd meeting held on July 5, 2023, the university’s management considered the report and recommendations submitted by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, resulting in the expulsion of seven students and the rustication of six others for gross misconduct.

“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 via social media”. Speaking with SaharaReporters, Vasue 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.”

He said, “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.”

Calling 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.”

Source: Saharareporters

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