Confluence University: Student Expulsion, Rustication for Misconduct

• Confluence University of Science and Technology expelled one student and rusticated two others for one academic session following a Senate meeting on September 30, 2026.
• Samuel Asipita David, a 300-level Electrical Engineering student, was expelled for fighting and providing false information to the disciplinary committee.
• Abdullahi Zeinulabideen Ozovehe, a 200-level Common Law student, was rusticated for tampering with a CCTV camera.
• Olumide Miracle Eniola, also a 200-level Common Law student, received a one-academic-session rustication for placing her legs on a male student's lap.
• All disciplinary actions were taken after investigations by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee and were based on the Students’ Handbook and the CUSTECH Law, 2020.

The recent Confluence University student expulsion rustication cases serve as a clear demonstration of the robust enforcement of disciplinary codes within the Nigerian university system.

The Senate of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara, Kogi State, recently concluded its 33rd Regular Meeting on September 30, 2026, by implementing severe disciplinary measures against three students for various acts of misconduct. These actions, announced on a Tuesday, resulted in the expulsion of one student and the rustication of two others for a full academic session. The university emphasized that these decisions followed a thorough review of reports submitted by its Students’ Disciplinary Committee, underscoring the institution's commitment to maintaining order and adherence to its established rules.

Samuel Asipita David, a 300-level Electrical Engineering student, faced the most stringent penalty, receiving an expulsion from the university. His expulsion stemmed from his involvement in a physical altercation with other students and, critically, for providing false information to the Students’ Disciplinary Committee during his initial appearance. The Senate found him culpable of these offenses, leading to his permanent removal in accordance with Section 7.2, Subsection 33 of the Students’ Handbook, Second Edition (as amended, 2025).

In separate incidents, two 200-level Common Law students were handed rustication sentences for one academic session. Abdullahi Zeinulabideen Ozovehe was found responsible for tampering with a CCTV camera located within the Faculty of Law. Similarly, Olumide Miracle Eniola received the same sanction after being found culpable of an offense involving placing her legs on a male student’s lap. Both rustications were approved by the Senate with immediate effect, citing relevant provisions within the Students’ Handbook and the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara Law, 2020.

The disciplinary actions taken by Confluence University of Science and Technology highlight the structured approach the institution employs in addressing student misconduct. This university is a state-owned institution located in Osara, Kogi State, Nigeria, established on August 20, 2020. Before the Senate's final pronouncements, each affected student underwent an investigation conducted by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee. This committee's role involved gathering facts and hearing from the students, after which it compiled and submitted its comprehensive reports to the university's Senate for deliberation and final decision-making. This multi-stage process ensures that allegations are thoroughly examined and that students have an opportunity to present their cases.

The university explicitly stated that its disciplinary decisions adhered to established due process, a critical component of fairness in educational institutions. The sanctions imposed were not arbitrary but were directly linked to specific sections of the university's governing documents. For instance, Samuel Asipita David's expulsion was based on Section 7.2, Subsection 33 of the Students’ Handbook, Second Edition (as amended, 2025), while the rustications of Abdullahi Zeinulabideen Ozovehe and Olumide Miracle Eniola were carried out pursuant to relevant provisions of both the Students’ Handbook and the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara Law, 2020. These citations underscore the legal and regulatory foundation underpinning the university's authority to enforce discipline.

The recent Confluence University student expulsion rustication cases serve as a clear demonstration of the robust enforcement of disciplinary codes within the Nigerian university system. The Confluence University of Science and Technology, through its Senate, has affirmed its commitment to upholding the standards outlined in its Students' Handbook and the CUSTECH Law, 2020. Such decisive actions are crucial for maintaining an orderly academic environment and ensuring that all members of the university community adhere to expected behavioral norms.

These outcomes underscore the serious consequences that CUSTECH student misconduct can entail, ranging from temporary suspension to permanent removal from the institution. The specific offenses—fighting, providing false information, tampering with university property, and inappropriate conduct—illustrate the broad spectrum of behaviors deemed unacceptable. By publicly detailing the basis for the Samuel Asipita David expulsion and the Abdullahi Zeinulabideen Ozovehe rustication, alongside the Olumide Miracle Eniola rustication, the university reinforces the importance of understanding and complying with its rules, thereby shaping future student conduct and reinforcing the integrity of the Nigerian university disciplinary process.

This article demonstrates the practical application and enforcement of university disciplinary codes and laws (e.g., CUSTECH Law, 2020, and Students' Handbook) in Nigeria, including the due process followed. Lawyers advising students or universities should note the specific grounds for misconduct and the institutional procedures leading to severe sanctions like expulsion or rustication, which can inform strategies for defending students or reviewing internal disciplinary frameworks.

Source: Reporting based on institutional statements via Punch