Federal Varsity Reacts Over Concession Plan

Federal University Dutse in Jigawa State has responded to a leaked internal memo detailing a new “Concessional Pass” policy, which has sparked significant public debate.

In a press statement issued by the University’s Director of Publications and Communications, Comrade Abdullahi Yahaya Bello Anako, the institution acknowledged that its attention had been drawn to the heated online discourse following the leak of the memo.

He noted that the memo was intended for internal circulation only and that those directly concerned would understand its content without the need for further public explanation.

According to him, the university was not surprised by the public reaction, as individuals may interpret the memo based on their own assumptions, which may not align with its actual intent.

Comrade Abdullahi stated that the memo originated from the University Senate’s 73rd extraordinary meeting held on 23 December, during which it was agreed to set a 25% faculty assessment as a benchmark for granting a pass concession to any final-year student.

He explained that the new policy was introduced to address the nonchalant attitude exhibited by some students who consistently fail a single course up to their final year, often with the assumption that they will receive a concession at the end.

He noted that the policy stipulates that to qualify for such a concession, a final-year student must have a minimum of 25% class attendance and complete assignments.

“The circular, signed by Bappa Shamsudeen on behalf of the Registrar and addressed to staff and students, stated that 25 marks have been set as the minimum concessional pass,”

“This concessional policy applies only to final-year students and not to others; this is what the general public needs to understand.”

“There is nothing new about the policy, and it does not contradict any guidelines of the National Universities Commission, which Federal University Dutse strictly follows,” Mr Anako stated.