By Attah Abubakar Mohammed
The Senate of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) has approved the expulsion of one student and the rustication of 66 others for their involvement in examination malpractice during the second semester examinations conducted in May 2026.
The decision was reached at the University’s 140th Regular Senate Meeting held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Twin Theatre, Main Campus.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman, who presided over the meeting, said the disciplinary action reflected his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the institution’s integrity by ensuring that all violations of the University’s rules and regulations attract appropriate sanctions.
He stated that the University management was determined to uphold strict adherence to the rule of law across all aspects of its operations in order to strengthen FUDMA’s reputation among Nigerian universities.
Prof. Othman reiterated that from the beginning of his tenure, the administration had maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and misconduct, describing discipline as one of the cardinal principles guiding his leadership.
According to him, the sanctions followed the consideration of a report submitted by the Committee on Examination Misconduct. He explained that all 67 affected students were given the opportunity to defend themselves before the committee recommended the penalties.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the decision was taken in line with Section 13.3, Sub-section 13.3(c) of the University’s Academic Policy on Examination Irregularity and Academic Misconduct.
Senate also approved the University’s 2026/2027 academic calendar, with the first semester scheduled to commence on August 30 and end on December 28, 2026.
Speaking on the calendar, Prof. Othman explained that the timetable was designed to enable students to participate in the forthcoming 2027 general elections while in their respective hometowns and villages.
He further disclosed that about nine faculties would be relocated to the University’s Main Campus beginning from the 2026/2027 academic session as part of efforts to decongest the Take-off Campus.
“The Management is doing everything humanly possible to make the Main Campus conducive for teaching, learning and research through the provision of adequate security and other essential facilities,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the relocation of faculties to the Main Campus was mandatory, noting that the Take-off Campus had become overcrowded with staff and students.
He also announced that the University would soon procure a 100-seat Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus to provide free shuttle services for staff between the two campuses, adding that staff unions were also supporting initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare.
Prof. Othman urged the University community to embrace the Blackboard Management Learning System, describing it as a modern digital platform that would improve teaching, learning and access to educational resources in line with FUDMA’s vision as an Information and Communication Technology-driven institution.
During the meeting, Senate also ratified the establishment of the Centre for Hausa Language, History, Monument and Culture, which is expected to serve as a research hub dedicated to the study, preservation and development of the Hausa language and culture in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
The Senate also approved the second semester examination results for the University’s College of Postgraduate Studies.
Thank my Allah good blessed