The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, has taken a bold stand in response to the troubling incident at the Convocation Square, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to student welfare, safety, and justice. In a detailed press release issued today, the SUG, under the leadership of Executive President Divine Prince Daniel (Diviciprince), outlined the incident, the union’s intervention, and a comprehensive set of resolutions aimed at addressing the issue and preventing future occurrences.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, involved a student who faced physical harassment by Man O’ War officers and operatives during an examination at the E-Examination Centre. According to the SUG, the student’s only “offense” was her refusal to submit her ID card for identity confirmation—a requirement she may not have been adequately prepared to meet at the time. The situation escalated, resulting in what the union describes as an unacceptable violation of the student’s rights and dignity. This incident sparked immediate concern among the student body, prompting the SUG to act swiftly to ensure justice and accountability.
In a remarkable display of solidarity, SUG President Divine Prince Daniel led a delegation of concerned student leaders to the Convocation Square to confront the issue head-on. The delegation’s efforts culminated in an open-door meeting at the University Auditorium, attended by key administrative figures, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), the Dean of Student Affairs, and the E-Centre Coordinators, alongside other senior staff. This high-level meeting provided a platform for students to voice their grievances directly, ensuring that their concerns were heard by those in positions of authority.
During the closed-door session that followed, the SUG engaged the Vice Chancellor’s representatives to demand justice for the affected student. The discussions also tackled broader systemic issues, such as the search procedures at examination venues and delays in processing NELFUND refunds—matters that have long been points of contention for the student body. The SUG’s proactive approach yielded tangible results, with the following resolutions announced in the press release:
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Suspension of Man O’ War Involvement: The university has agreed to immediately suspend the involvement of Man O’ War operatives in operations at examination centers, pending a thorough review of their conduct and protocols. This decision aims to prevent further incidents of harassment and ensure a safer environment for students during exams.
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Justice for the Affected Student: A commitment has been made to ensure justice is served in the matter of the assaulted student. The SUG has vowed to follow through on this promise, ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable and that the student receives the support she needs to recover from the ordeal.
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Stricter Compliance with Students’ Handbook: The university has been directed to ensure that all operations at the Convocation Square strictly adhere to the provisions outlined in the students’ handbook. This measure is intended to standardize procedures and protect students’ rights during examinations and other activities at the venue.
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Gender-Sensitive Search Protocols: Going forward, only academic staff will conduct searches at examination centers, with female staff specifically assigned to search female students. This policy change addresses concerns about inappropriate conduct during searches and aims to create a more respectful and dignified experience for all students.
The press release, signed by SUG General Secretary Moshood Abdulwaris Olamide, Executive President Divine Prince Daniel, and Public Relations Officer Musa Ibrahim Muhammad (Aluta Brymo), reaffirmed the union’s dedication to advocating for a safe and inclusive campus environment. “The Students’ Union remains steadfast in advocating for a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment,” the statement read. “We appreciate the management’s willingness to listen and act, and we call on all students to remain law-abiding and united.”
The SUG’s response to this incident has been widely praised by students, who see it as a testament to the union’s commitment to their welfare. For many, the resolutions mark a significant step toward addressing long-standing issues at the university, particularly around the treatment of students during examinations. The decision to suspend Man O’ War operatives, in particular, has been met with approval, as students have frequently raised concerns about the group’s heavy-handed tactics.
The Federal University of Technology, Minna, has long been a hub of academic excellence, but like many institutions, it faces challenges in balancing administrative efficiency with student welfare. The Convocation Square, a central venue for examinations and other major events, has been at the heart of several controversies over the years, often due to strict security measures that some students feel are overly punitive. The SUG’s intervention in this latest incident highlights the critical role that student leadership plays in bridging the gap between the university administration and the student body.
For students like Aisha, a third-year engineering student who witnessed the incident, the SUG’s actions are a source of hope. “It’s reassuring to see the union stand up for us,” she said. “I’ve always felt uneasy about the way searches are conducted at the Convocation Square, and I’m glad they’re finally doing something about it.”
For now, the SUG’s message to the university community is clear: “An injury to one is an injury to all.” With this rallying cry, the union continues to champion the cause of every student, ensuring that the Federal University of Technology, Minna, remains a place where academic excellence and student welfare go hand in hand.
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