University of Abuja rusticates student for advocating for equal education access for all students

By Deborah Ngere On May 27, 2023

A student from the University of Abuja has been rusticated after posting a message on his university’s Student Union Government (SUG) WhatsApp group pushing for equitable access to education for all students, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances.

The student, Cyprian Igwe, who also happened to be the SUG Director of Social, raised his concerns about many students’ incapacity to pay their school fees and requested a meeting to discuss alternative remedies.

Igwe’s WhatsApp post, which has since gone viral, demonstrates his sincere concern for fellow students who are having financial difficulties.

In the statement, he expressed his sympathy for individuals unable to pay their tuition and highlighted the importance of the SUG president’s involvement.

He fiercely urged students to express their ideas, noting that he would rather jeopardize his own admittance than see many students drop out due to financial constraints.

“Good evening house… We will be having a meeting tomorrow by 6:00pm in regards to school fees let’s know our way forward… I am deeply in pain, many students can’t pay I hope SUG president is in this group…. I need everyone ideas I rather risk my life, my admission than seeing thousands of students drop out…. If the spirit of Aluta live in us…it have to walk up… Please be part of this meeting,” he wrote.

Unfortunately, instead of sparking a constructive dialogue and debate about the accessibility of education, Igwe’s post resulted in severe consequences.

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.

The Statement reads;