Plateau State University Punishes 76 Students Over Examination Malpractice

Authorities at Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, have sanctioned 76 students for engaging in examination malpractice during the 2024/2025 academic session.

The decision was reached during the university Senate’s 102nd regular meeting after reviewing recommendations from the Examination Misconduct Committee. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Ngwen Jacob on behalf of the university’s Public Relations Officer.

According to the statement, the students were found guilty of various offences, including possession of unauthorized materials and mobile phones inside examination halls, impersonation, and writing answers on parts of their bodies during exams.

The university imposed different sanctions depending on the severity of the offences. These include rustication for one academic session, compulsory carryover of the affected courses, and outright expulsion for more serious violations, in accordance with the institution’s Students’ Handbook.

The Senate meeting was chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Moses Galadima, who presided on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Shadrach Best.

After reviewing the committee’s report, members of the Senate unanimously approved the penalties recommended for the affected students.

Reaffirming the institution’s stance, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the university maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice. He stressed that PLASU remains committed to upholding academic integrity, discipline, and high moral standards within the institution.

He also commended the Examination Misconduct Committee for conducting a thorough investigation and following due process in handling the cases.

Beyond disciplinary matters, the Senate also approved the final-year undergraduate and postgraduate results for the 2024/2025 academic session. Additionally, it noted that lectures for the new semester had already commenced across various departments about two weeks earlier.

During the meeting, the Director of ICT, Sati Dapel, provided updates on the university’s ongoing digital reforms aimed at improving and streamlining the student registration process.