Kwara Poly: Expels 42 Students Over Exam Malpractice Findings

• Kwara State Polytechnic has expelled 42 students for examination malpractice following investigations by its committee.
• The expelled group comprises 31 Higher National Diploma and 11 National Diploma students from various institutes and programs.
• The institution's decision was based on findings that students violated their Matriculation Oath and institutional rules.
• Expulsions were approved in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Polytechnic’s Students’ Handbook.
• Affected students were directed to return all polytechnic property to their respective Heads of Department or designated authorities.

The institution underscored that these expulsions were a direct consequence of violating the Matriculation Oath sworn upon admission and were executed strictly according to the provisions outlined in the Polytechnic’s Students’ Handbook.

Kwara State Polytechnic, located in Ilorin, has taken decisive action by expelling a total of 42 students due to their involvement in examination malpractice. This significant disciplinary measure follows thorough investigations conducted by the institution’s dedicated Examination Malpractice Committee. The affected student body comprises 31 individuals enrolled in Higher National Diploma (HND) programs and 11 from National Diploma (ND) courses, representing a diverse array of academic institutes and programs within the polytechnic.

The official announcement regarding these expulsions was made public on a Monday, communicated through a statement issued by Ibrahim Esin, the Principal Assistant Registrar for the Academic Board Matters Division. This statement, which was obtained by PUNCH Online, clarified that the students had faced allegations of examination malpractice, prompting the committee's detailed inquiry. Following these investigations, the students were found culpable of the charges leveled against them, leading to the severe institutional response.

The disciplinary actions underscore the polytechnic's commitment to maintaining academic integrity. The expelled students were drawn from various academic units, including the Institute of Finance and Management Studies, the Institute of Technology, and the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, among others. This broad impact across departments highlights the institution's comprehensive approach to addressing such violations.

The institution underscored that these expulsions were a direct consequence of violating the Matriculation Oath sworn upon admission and were executed strictly according to the provisions outlined in the Polytechnic’s Students’ Handbook. Ibrahim Esin emphasized that the offenses committed by the students directly contravened the solemn pledge they made when they matriculated into the institution, a foundational agreement for all enrolled students.

This decision to expel the students was not arbitrary but was made in strict adherence to the established rules and regulations governing the polytechnic. The approval of these disciplinary actions effectively severs the academic and administrative relationship between the students and the institution, marking a definitive end to their enrollment at Kwara State Polytechnic. This adherence to established protocols is crucial for any Nigerian university disciplinary action.

Furthermore, as part of the expulsion process, the polytechnic issued a directive requiring all expelled students to return any institutional property still in their possession. These items are to be handed over to their respective Heads of Department or other designated authorities within the institution, reinforcing the finality of their separation from Kwara State Polytechnic.

A detailed breakdown of the expelled students reveals the widespread impact across various academic institutes. The Institute of Finance and Management Studies recorded the highest number of expulsions, with 23 students affected. Following this, the Institute of Technology saw eight students expelled, while four students were removed from the Institute of Information and Communication Technology. The Institute of Health Technology had two students expelled, the Institute of General Studies one, and the Centre for Continuing Education accounted for four expulsions.

The students involved were enrolled in a broad spectrum of programs, indicating that the examination malpractice committee findings spanned diverse academic fields. These included Mechatronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Strategic Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, and Accountancy. Other affected programs encompassed Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Medical Imaging Technology, Microfinance and Entrepreneurship Development, Social Development, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, and Industrial and Labour Relations.

Among the named HND students were Rasaq Faruq Tolani, Adebiyi Eniola Kofoworola, Nzekwe Domic Chibuike, Adekunle Khalid Boluwatife, Raji Abdulhafeez Opeyemi, Magbagbeola Rofiat Adesewa, Abdulrasheed Ojuolape Mariyam, Abdullafees Khadijat Oritoke, Ibrahim Farida Adepate, Abdulrasheed Muhammed Alabi, Omidiji Oluwatosin Samuel, Jimoh Aminat Modupe, Balogun Yusuf Olalekan, Opadisi Ridwan Opeyemi, and Oyewole Victoria Oluwaponle. The list of expelled ND students included Ayinde Aishat, Ekunnus Fridays Sunmisola, Sanusi Fathia Ayomide, Ameenulah Idris Olamilekan, Magnus David Pelumi, Ishola Sulyman Atanda, Ibrahim Rofiat Elewuetu, Abdulgafar Abdulkareem Idowu, Oladele Opeyemi Miracle, Isiaq Mujeeb, and Hammed Toheeb Oluwatosin, highlighting the personal consequences of student matriculation oath violation.

This case highlights the importance of due process and adherence to institutional regulations (Matriculation Oath, Students' Handbook) in student disciplinary actions within Nigerian educational institutions. Lawyers may need to advise students on their rights during such investigations or counsel institutions on establishing legally sound disciplinary procedures to mitigate risks of wrongful expulsion claims.

Source: Reporting based on information from PUNCH Online