Ebonyi State University Expels Three Students Over Firearm Use in Viral SUG Election Video
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The management of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has expelled three students allegedly involved in the possession and use of firearms during the institution’s recent Students’ Union Government (SUG) election — an incident that sparked widespread outrage after videos of the shooting went viral on social media.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Awoke, announced the expulsion during the inauguration of the newly elected SUG executives at the university’s main campus in Abakaliki. According to him, the disciplinary action was taken to send a strong and uncompromising message against violence, cultism, and academic intimidation within the university environment.
Incident That Shocked the Campus
In September, the Ebonyi State Police Command arrested the three suspects in connection with an attempt to disrupt the announcement of results during the SUG election. Reports indicated that the students fired gunshots into the air to disperse the crowd, causing panic on campus. Unfortunately, one student was hit in the process.
According to Channels TV, Professor Awoke condemned the act as “unacceptable and criminal,” stressing that the university would not tolerate such behaviour.
“The issue of coming to the university environment with guns must stop. The use of guns to intimidate lecturers for marks must stop immediately,” he declared.
“To that effect, these three students already involved are hereby expelled from the university.”
A Zero-Tolerance Message to Cultism and Intimidation
The Vice Chancellor further stated that cultism and the use of weapons on campus had been banned outright under his administration. He emphasised that the case against the expelled students was already before a competent court, ensuring that justice would take its full course.
“We are following the matter up in court. Being a student and unlawfully possessing a gun to intimidate others over an SUG election is totally unacceptable,” Awoke asserted.
“This expulsion will serve as a deterrent to others. By the powers vested in me as the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, these students are hereby rusticated. They are no longer my students.”
Broader Context and Insights
Observers have described the incident as a disturbing reflection of how campus politics in some Nigerian universities has become dangerously infiltrated by cult-like behaviour, rivalry, and external influence.
Education analysts believe the firm response by the EBSU management is a necessary corrective step to restore discipline, uphold academic integrity, and reassure parents that the university remains committed to maintaining a safe learning environment.
However, the situation also raises deeper questions about youth involvement in politics and the culture of violence often seen in student elections. Experts argue that unless institutions promote peace education, civic engagement, and mental health awareness, such violent expressions of competition may persist.
The Way Forward
With the expelled students now facing legal action, the university community has been urged to see the development as a wake-up call. Stakeholders advocate for the introduction of student leadership training, conflict resolution workshops, and stronger campus security protocols to prevent a recurrence.
The Ebonyi State University management reiterated that it would continue to protect law-abiding students and staff, ensuring that the campus remains a place for learning, not lawlessness.
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