…seeks reversal of suspensions
Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, has called for an immediate investigation into allegations of assault and degrading treatment involving a student of Coal City University, Enugu, while also demanding the reversal of disciplinary measures imposed on the affected student and two others.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, the rights group expressed concern over reports and video clips circulating on social media showing an incident involving Miss Divine, a 300-level Physiotherapy student of the institution.
RULAAC said the reports raised serious concerns about student welfare, institutional accountability and the protection of fundamental human rights within tertiary institutions.
According to the organisation, no educational institution has the authority to subject students to physical assault, degrading treatment or any form of inhuman punishment, stressing that such actions would be inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of human dignity and Nigeria’s human rights obligations.
The group also expressed concern over reports that the student involved was suspended for one year, while two other students who reportedly recorded the incident were handed six-month suspensions.
It argued that disciplinary actions taken against students who preserve evidence of alleged misconduct could discourage accountability and transparency within educational institutions.
Beyond the incident, RULAAC urged authorities to investigate allegations relating to academic disruptions in the university, including claims of inadequate teaching personnel, prolonged absence of lecturers, and concerns over the delivery of services for which students allegedly paid fees.
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The organisation also called for a review of allegations concerning transportation and clinical posting arrangements, as well as claims that students and parents had faced difficulties in raising concerns about conditions within the institution.
RULAAC specifically urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission, NUC, to institute an independent investigation into the matter, ensure accountability where necessary, and strengthen oversight mechanisms to safeguard students’ rights.
The group further called on regulatory authorities to remind tertiary institutions that disciplinary powers must be exercised within the limits of the law and with respect for the fundamental rights of students.
“Educational institutions exist to nurture learning, character and human development. They must not become environments where students are subjected to violence, intimidation or reprisals for exercising their rights or exposing wrongdoing,” the statement said.
RULAAC pledged solidarity with students whose rights may have been violated and called on relevant authorities, including law enforcement and human rights bodies, to take appropriate steps to ensure justice and accountability.
Coal City University had not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
