Kogi Varsity Expels Two Students Over Same-Sex Relationship, Suspends Four for Fighting

Kogi Varsity Expels Two Students Over Same-Sex Relationship, Suspends Four for Fighting

The university's Information and Public Relations Unit announced the disciplinary actions in a statement issued on Friday, confirming that the expulsion was approved at the 31st Regular Meeting of the University Senate.

The Senate acted after considering recommendations from the Students' Disciplinary Committee, and the decision was carried out in line with the provisions of the Students' Handbook (Second Edition, as amended in 2025).

The affected students were identified as Onumoko Hamza of the Biology Education Department and Abdulazeez Eneji of the Mining Engineering Department. However, the university did not disclose when or where the alleged offences were committed.

The decision to expel the two students over same-sex conduct aligns with Nigeria's Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014, which criminalises same-sex relationships and imposes penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

The law also prohibits public displays of same-sex affection, the registration of gay organisations, and the operation of establishments that cater to LGBTQ+ individuals. While the Act has been widely criticised by human rights groups, it remains in force and has been used to justify similar disciplinary actions in educational institutions across the country.

In addition to the expulsions, the university suspended four other students for their involvement in a physical altercation on campus. The suspensions serve as a warning to the student body that violence and misconduct will not be tolerated within the institution.

The university's statement reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline and ensuring that students adhere to the rules and regulations outlined in the Students' Handbook. The identities of the suspended students were not disclosed.

The development has sparked mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians applauding the university for upholding moral standards and enforcing its rules, while others have questioned the severity of the punishment.

Human rights advocates have expressed concern over the continued criminalisation of same-sex relationships in Nigeria, arguing that such laws violate the fundamental human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

However, the university has remained firm in its decision, citing the need to protect the institution's values and maintain order on campus.

The sanctions come amid broader debates about LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships remain highly stigmatised and illegal. As conversations about inclusion and human rights continue to evolve globally, the expulsions at CUSTECH highlight the ongoing tension between legal frameworks and social attitudes in Nigeria.

For now, the university's disciplinary actions stand, and the affected students have the right to appeal the decision through the institution's established procedures.