Taraba State University expelled a first-year student after repeatedly criticizing the state governor, Darius Ishaku, on Facebook
The school said it took the decision because the student had failed to “complete the registration processes” which included signing the oath form during matriculation.
His admission was terminated in September by Joseph Israel, who was admitted to study chemistry but later switched to state-owned school’s Laboratory Science.
A letter from the Deputy Registrar for Academic Affairs, Yakubu Fwa, on September 20, 2019 accused the student of not attending the matriculation ceremony of the students and of not completing the matriculation form
“Further take notice that the withdrawal of the said admission is hinged on your inability to complete the registration processes of Taraba State University, Jalingo, as approved by the relevant university regulation and which makes (you) a ghost student,” the letter said.
However Mr. Israel told reporters the institution’s justification was misleading and was used simply as an excuse for dealing with the student who was the governor’s known online critic.
He refuted the matriculation boycott and said that he had signed the declaration of oath form. “The mistake I did was not snapping a picture on the day. I am not a picture person. But I have over 20 persons who can testify that I was there with them on that day. I also signed the form given to us,” he said.
The registrar’s letter of withdrawal did not mention the relevant university regulation punishing failure to meet dismissal matriculation.
Sanusi Saad, the university’s information officer, told reporters he was aware of the case, but had no authority or sufficient information to comment.
He said the vice-chancellor of the university was not available to explain.
Records examined by reporters revealed that the management of the university had called Mr Israel before a panel concerned with indiscipline problems and academic misconduct.
The student appeared before the committee on July 15, 2019 as instructed.
Mr. Israel said when he was questioned by the committee about his criticism of the governor, he asked the committee if there was any legislation in the university that would prohibit students from using social media and expressing their views on state governance.
He said the committee, which provided no answer, asked him to go until the investigation was concluded.
“By this act of cruelty, it is very sad to assume that Taraba State is now confronted with the highest rate of hypocrisy and conspiracy among public office holders and members of academic environment who have reduced the educational sector to ridicule,” said Jen Jibrin, a Jalingo-based activist.
Mr Israel has used his Facebook page to deliver blistering criticisms of Mr Ishaku’s leadership.
On April 26, he posted: “If Gov Darius sells seven cars in his convoy alone, he will solve the problems of Taraba State University”.
“Governor Darius is a tested and trusted failure, the 100 days of any government shows the direction of that government, the Darius administration has no direction, his government is the worst in the 28 years of existence of Taraba State,” he wrote. “I call on all those whose hopes are high to keep their hopes down till 2023 maybe we’ll have a proactive and a serious governor.”