In a distressing turn of events, a student named Cyprian Igwe from the University of Abuja has been subjected to rustication after sharing a message on his university's Student Union Government (SUG) WhatsApp group, advocating for equal access to education for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances.
As the SUG Director of Social, Igwe voiced his concerns regarding the challenges faced by many students in paying their school fees. He called for a meeting to discuss potential solutions and emphasized the importance of the SUG president's involvement.
Expressing his heartfelt anguish over the plight of financially struggling students, Igwe urged unity among the student body and encouraged the sharing of ideas. He went so far as to state that he would be willing to risk his own admission rather than witness numerous students dropping out due to financial constraints.
"Good evening house... We will be having a meeting tomorrow at 6:00pm in regards to school fees. Let's find a way forward... I am deeply pained, as many students can't afford to pay. I hope the SUG president is in this group... I need everyone's ideas. I would rather risk my life and admission than see thousands of students drop out... If the spirit of Aluta lives in us, it must wake up... Please be a part of this meeting," Igwe wrote in his WhatsApp message.
Regrettably, instead of sparking a constructive dialogue and productive debate on education accessibility, Igwe's post resulted in severe consequences for him.
The University of Abuja administration took disciplinary action by rusticating him from the institution, a decision that has raised concerns among fellow students and advocates for educational equality.
According to the official statement, it reads as follows:
"IGWE CHUKWUEMEKA CYPRIAN
Reg No: 182984250
Department of Sociology
LETTER OF RUSTICATION
"You will recall that on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, an inciteful press release was made available to the public, purportedly signed by the Student Union Government President and Speaker.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that you and Olodenu Samson Olamilekan (18291126) facilitated and circulated the information.
"Your actions are capable of jeopardizing the peaceful and smooth conduct of academic activities in the university and are a breach of the University Matriculation oath.
"By the powers conferred on the Vice-Chancellor as contained in the University of Abuja Act, he, on behalf of the Senate, has directed your immediate rustication from the university. Accordingly, you are banned from all university campuses pending the determination of the case."
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