The Federal University of Technology Students’ Union (FUTSUG) has issued a fervent call to action, rallying students, faculty, and stakeholders to stand united against a grave injustice that has rocked the university community. In a press release issued at 04:42 PM CAT on Sunday, June 1, 2025, the union detailed a shocking incident of harassment involving a female student at the Convocation Square, perpetrated by staff of the E-Examination coordinating unit and members of the Man O’ War Committee. The incident, coupled with broader concerns about systemic mistreatment during the ongoing examination period, has sparked outrage and prompted a planned demonstration at the same location on Monday morning.
The Disturbing Incident: Harassment by E-Exam Staff and Man O’ War Committee
The incident at the heart of FUTSUG’s call to action occurred at the Convocation Square, a symbolic and central location on the Federal University of Technology, Minna campus. According to the Students’ Union, a female student was subjected to severe harassment during the examination period, with the situation escalating to a public violation of her dignity. The press release reveals that the student was touched indiscriminately in public—an act of aggression that has left the student community reeling.
What makes this incident particularly alarming is the identity of the perpetrators: staff from the coordinating unit of the E-Examination system at the convocation square and members of the Man O’ War Committee, a student-led security group on campus. The union’s statement explicitly names these groups as responsible for the harassment, accusing them of overstepping their authority and violating the student’s rights. The involvement of E-Examination staff, who are tasked with ensuring a fair and orderly examination process, raises serious questions about their conduct and accountability. Meanwhile, the Man O’ War Committee, which is meant to support campus security, has instead become a source of fear for many students.
The press release further notes that this is not an isolated incident. The Man O’ War Committee, in particular, has a troubling history of continuously harassing and disrespecting students over time. Reports of their heavy-handed tactics, verbal abuse, and disregard for student rights have long been a concern within the university community, but this latest incident has brought their behavior into sharp focus. The union’s statement underscores the need for immediate action to address the systemic issues that allow such misconduct to persist unchecked.
False Accusations Add Insult to Injury
Compounding the trauma of the harassment, the female student was falsely accused of examination misconduct by the same E-Examination staff involved in her mistreatment. The union asserts that the accusation is “entirely untrue,” describing it as a “baseless” and “irresponsible” attempt to deflect blame. The false claim has deepened the student’s distress and further inflamed tensions, with FUTSUG calling for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the E-Examination staff.
The union also addresses a damaging rumor: “It is important at this point to clear a damaging misconception. There have been false claims suggesting that the SUG President blamed the affected student and accused her of pretending to faint. This is entirely untrue and must be corrected.” The union condemns the E-Examination staff for perpetuating this narrative, labeling their actions as “demeaning and irresponsible.” This clarification highlights FUTSUG’s commitment to protecting the student’s reputation while holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
A Unified Call to Action: Who’s Invited?
In response to the incident and the broader systemic issues it represents, FUTSUG has called on a wide range of stakeholders to join the fight for justice. The press release extends an invitation to:
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All Faculty Presidents: As departmental leaders, they are urged to amplify the students’ voices.
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Faculty and Departmental Welfare Directors: These officials are called upon to address the systemic issues affecting student welfare.
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Current and Former Executives: Past and present leaders of departmental, faculty, and student union bodies are encouraged to stand in solidarity.
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Comrades and Student Activists: The union appeals to activists across the campus to bring their passion and commitment to the movement.
By rallying such a diverse group, FUTSUG aims to create a powerful coalition that reflects the collective strength of the university community. The union’s inclusive approach signals its determination to address not only the specific incident of harassment but also the systemic failures that have allowed groups like the Man O’ War Committee to operate with impunity.
The Plan: A Demonstration at the Site of the Incident
The Students’ Union has organized a peaceful demonstration to take place at 8:00 AM on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Convocation Square—the very location where the female student was harassed. The choice of venue is both symbolic and strategic, serving as a stark reminder of the incident while providing a platform for students to demand accountability. The event aims to show solidarity with the affected student, protest the actions of the E-Examination staff and Man O’ War Committee, and call for greater oversight of those responsible for student safety and examination integrity.
The union plans to use the demonstration to directly observe and assess the conduct of security personnel, including the Man O’ War Committee, and examination coordinators at both the Convocation Square and the E-Examination Center. “This is a stand for respect, equity, and the protection of our rights as students,” the press release declares. “Let our presence send a message that we will not be silent in the face of injustice.” The event is expected to draw a significant crowd, with students and stakeholders coming together to demand justice and systemic change.
A Broader Context: Systemic Challenges and a Culture of Impunity
The harassment incident at Convocation Square is part of a larger pattern of challenges faced by students at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The press release alludes to “numerous instances of inhumane conduct endured by students,” with the Man O’ War Committee’s actions being a recurring issue. Over time, students have reported verbal abuse, intimidation, and physical overreach by the committee, often under the guise of maintaining order. The involvement of E-Examination staff in this incident further highlights the lack of accountability within the university’s examination system, where those in positions of authority appear to operate without fear of repercussions.
Examinations are already a high-pressure time for students, and the introduction of E-Examinations has added complexity. While the system is designed to streamline the examination process, it has also created opportunities for error, miscommunication, and misconduct by staff. The union’s statement underscores the emotional toll these issues take on students, particularly those who are falsely accused or mistreated while trying to complete their exams. “Let us come together in one voice and unite in the pursuit of justice, not only for the student affected in the recent incident but for all who have suffered indignity, harassment, or abuse while simply trying to sit for their exams,” the press release reads.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in joining the movement, FUTSUG has provided clear instructions: gather at Convocation Square at 8:00 AM on Monday, June 2, 2025. The union encourages participants to come prepared to stand in solidarity, observe the conduct of examination staff and security personnel, and send a message to the university administration.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by students, particularly female students, in educational environments. The students of FUT Minna are not just fighting for one of their own—they are fighting for a future where every student can pursue their education with dignity and safety. As the demonstration looms, the university administration faces mounting pressure to address the actions of the E-Examination staff and the Man O’ War Committee. Will they take decisive action to restore trust and ensure accountability? The answer lies in the days ahead.
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