Gowon Varsity Clarifies Amnesty Decision, Denies Political Motive

The management of the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, has debunked media reports suggesting that the recent amnesty granted to some students involved in examination misconduct was politically motivated.

In a press statement signed by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, the University clarified that the amnesty was duly approved by the institution’s Senate at its 189th Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

According to the statement, the Senate’s decision followed careful deliberations based on the recommendations of the Central Examination Misconduct Committee and was anchored on the powers granted by the University of Abuja Act (Section 19, Subsection 1).

“The decision was made in good faith and in full compliance with due process,” Yakoob said, emphasizing that it applied to students across various faculties and levels who had been involved in examination infractions between the 2020/2021 session and the first semester of the 2024/2025 academic year.

The University reaffirmed its commitment to academic integrity, transparency, and adherence to professional and regulatory standards, including those of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

It further described as “false and misleading” claims by an online platform that the Senate’s move was aimed at appeasing any individual or group.

“The students who benefited from this amnesty are not limited to any particular group. The decision was not influenced by any external pressure or political consideration,” the statement added.

While reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice, the University stressed that the Senate, as the highest academic decision-making body, also reserves the right to exercise discretion in reviewing or intervening in disciplinary matters to ensure fairness and timely resolution.