A 100-level student of the Taraba State University, Joseph Israel, has been expelled from the institution over his consistent criticism of the activities and policies of the state governor, Darius Ishaku, on Facebook.

Israel, who was admitted to study Chemistry but later switched to Laboratory Science in the state-owned school, had his admission withdrawn in September.

The university, however, claimed it withdrew Israel’s admission for failing to “complete the registration processes” that includes signing the matriculation oath form.

A September 20, 2019 letter by the deputy registrar for academic affairs, Yakubu Fwa, accused the student of failing to attend the students’ matriculation ceremony and not completing the matriculation form.

Israel said the claim was false, saying it was merely used as an excuse to deal with him for being a virile online critic of the state governor.

He denied boycotting the matriculation and said he signed the oath declaration form.

PremiumTimes reports that the student had appeared before a malpractice committee which deals with issues of indiscipline and academic wrongdoings.

Israel said when the committee confronted him over his criticism of the governor, he asked the committee if there is any law in the university stopping students from using social media and expressing their views on governance in the state.

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He claimed the committee could not provide an answer. He said he was asked to go until the investigation is concluded, only to be later expelled.

“The mistake I did was not snapping a picture on the day. I am not a picture person. But I have over 20 persons who can testify that I was there with them on that day. I also signed the form given to us,” he said.

The withdrawal letter by the registrar did not cite the specific university regulation that punishes failure to attend matriculation with dismissal.

The director of information of the university, Sanusi Saad, said he was aware of the case, but had no authority and adequate information to comment.

 

See screenshot of his FB post: