Mohammed Khalid Othman, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin Ma in Katsina State, has commended members of the Students' Disciplinary Committee for their diligence and commitment to upholding the university's policies after the Senate approved the rustication of 20 students found guilty of examination malpractice.
Nasiru Abdul, Director of Information and Protocol at the university, disclosed in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday that the decision was reached during the institution's 138th Regular Senate Meeting, held on Wednesday at the Twin Theatre on the main campus.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the panel ensured due process, fairness, firmness, and justice throughout the investigation, with the university management confirming that all affected students were allowed to appear before the disciplinary committee to defend themselves before the final decision was reached.
Abdul explained that the Senate reached its verdict after reviewing the Students' Disciplinary Committee report on examination misconduct and acted according to Section 13.3, subsection 13.3c of the university's Examination Irregularity and Academic Misconduct policy.
The rusticated students were drawn from several faculties, including Computing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Earth and Environment, Education, and Life Sciences, according to the statement.
"The decision is meant to send a clear signal to all students to brace up and do the needful, while also serving as a deterrent to those who may wish to cut corners by violating the university's rules and regulations on examination conduct," the statement read.
In a related development, the Senate has directed the strict enforcement of the university's academic policy requiring students to attain at least 75% lecture attendance before they can qualify to sit for examinations.
The policy, according to the university management, is aimed at improving students' academic performance and strengthening discipline across faculties.
The varsity management stressed that the Senate's action underscores the institution's commitment to upholding academic integrity and maintaining high ethical standards within the institution, urging students to comply with all academic regulations and remain committed to their studies.
The university emphasised that adherence to university policies is essential for academic excellence, warning that examination misconduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
