Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has expelled 42 students following an investigation into examination malpractice. The affected students include 31 Higher National Diploma (HND) students and 11 National Diploma (ND) students, cutting across different departments and institutes in the school. The decision was announced in a statement released on Monday by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Academic Board Matters Division, Ibrahim Esin.
According to Esin, the students were investigated by the institution's Examination Malpractice Committee after allegations of exam malpractice were brought against them. The committee thoroughly investigated the allegations before issuing the expulsion directives. The offences contravened the Matriculation Oath sworn to by the students upon admission into the institution.
The Institute of Finance and Management Studies recorded the highest number of expulsions with 23 students. Other affected institutes include the Institute of Technology with 8 students, Institute of Information and Communication Technology with 4 students, Centre for Continuing Education with 4 students, Institute of Health Technology with 2 students, and Institute of General Studies with 1 student.
The expelled students were studying courses such as Mechatronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Strategic Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, Accountancy, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Medical Imaging Technology, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Industrial and Labour Relations, Social Development, Microfinance and Entrepreneurship Development, among others.
The management also directed all affected students to return any property belonging to the institution that is still in their possession. The expelled students are hereby directed to hand over all Polytechnic property in their possession to their respective Heads of Department or other designated authorities.
The punishment was in line with the institution's rules, and the expulsions were approved in accordance with the provisions of the Polytechnic’s Students’ Handbook. With the approval, the students are no longer recognised as students of Kwara State Polytechnic. Official letters detailing the disciplinary action were issued to both Higher National Diploma and National Diploma students.
Examination malpractice remains one of the offences that attract the stiffest penalties in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Depending on a school's regulations, students found guilty can face suspension, rustication or outright expulsion after investigations by disciplinary panels. The expulsion of the 42 students from Kwara State Polytechnic serves as a reminder of the institution's zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice.
Key points
- 42 students expelled from Kwara State Polytechnic for examination malpractice
- The Institute of Finance and Management Studies recorded the highest number of expulsions with 23 students
- Affected students were studying various courses, including engineering, business administration, and communication studies
