Unconstitutional Overreach: University of Abuja SUG Faces Threat from Erstwhile President’s Memo

The Yakubu Gowon University, revered as the University of National Unity, is at a crossroads. A recent memo from the erstwhile Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, demanding the removal of former senators from the Electoral Committee (ELCOM), has sparked controversy and raised serious questions about constitutional propriety, institutional integrity, and the sanctity of student governance. This memo, lacking locus standi and coherence, threatens to derail the SUG’s democratic processes and undermine the university’s legacy of fairness. As a concerned stakeholder, I call on the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Idoko Sunday Idoko, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Director of the Safety Unit to reject this overreach and protect the union’s autonomy.

The erstwhile SUG President’s memo, issued from Jigawa—far from the university’s campus in Abuja—demands that former legislative arm members be removed from the ELCOM, claiming their inclusion is “constitutionally null and void.” He cites Article 15, Section 1 of the SUG Constitution, which merely establishes the ELCOM, offering no support for his claims. This blatant misrepresentation of the constitution is compounded by his lack of standing to issue such a directive.

According to Article 3 of the SUG Constitution, union participation is reserved for full-time undergraduate students who meet specific requirements, including registration and payment of dues. The erstwhile President, now an alumnus and no longer a registered undergraduate, fails to meet these criteria. His attempt to dictate union affairs from outside the university community violates not only the SUG Constitution but also Nigerian laws and international norms governing organizational governance.

Section 42(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 state thus: This section prohibits discrimination based on any grounds, including status, and ensures equal treatment under the law. The erstwhile President’s attempt to exclude former senators from the ELCOM without constitutional backing can only be construed as discriminatory and an abuse of rights, violating the principles of fairness enshrined in this section. His lack of standing as a non-registered student undermines his authority to issue such directives.

Also Section 34 of the 1999 constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, guarantees the right to dignity of the human person. By attempting to usurp the SUG’s democratic processes, the erstwhile President infringes on the rights of current students to govern their union autonomously, potentially humiliating and undermining their agency.

Child Rights Act 2003 (as adopted by the Federal Capital Territory)

His memo contravenes the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act, Cap E3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The University of Abuja’s SUG Constitution, as an internal regulatory framework, restricts union participation to registered undergraduate students (Article 3). The erstwhile President’s attempt to issue directives violates this principle, as he lacks the legal status to influence university governance. His absence from the institution and non-membership status render his actions ultra vires.

Futhermore, the memo goes against international norms as documented in Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948(Article 20) and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), 1966 (Article 22).The erstwhile President’s attempt to control the SUG, an association of current students, violates the rights of registered students to freely manage their union without external interference. His actions undermine the democratic principles of student governance.

By disrupting the SUG’s electoral process, the erstwhile President indirectly threatens the stability of the educational environment at the Yakubu Gowon University which contravenes Article 26 (UDHR),1948.

Moreover, this memo goes against the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), 1966, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 1981 

Article 10, and Article 17,which ensures the right to participate in public affairs. Current SUG members have the right to participate in their union’s governance without external dictation. The erstwhile President’s memo infringes on this right by seeking to override the constitutional process for ELCOM appointments.His interference risks destabilizing the SUG’s role in supporting student welfare, which is integral to the educational experience at the University of Abuja

The Dean of Students Affairs’ memo of April 15, 2025, provides a clear transition timetable for the Yakubu Gowon University Student Union Government (YaGUSUG). It confirms that:

This dissolution renders former senators eligible to serve on the ELCOM, as they are no longer active legislators. The erstwhile President’s demand to remove them directly contradicts the Dean’s memo and risks disrupting the university’s academic and union calendar. Such interference is not only baseless but also destabilizing, threatening the smooth transition of student leadership.

This is not the first instance of questionable conduct by the erstwhile President. Allegations of financial mismanagement, including the reported embezzlement of funds from the Students’ Judiciary Council and other committees without proper accounting, have cast a shadow over his tenure. His attempt to control the ELCOM appears to be an extension of his alleged interference in the SUG cabinet, raising concerns about a deliberate effort to hijack the union’s democratic structures.

The university community deserves transparency and accountability. These allegations warrant a thorough investigation to restore trust in the SUG and ensure that student resources are managed responsibly.

The inclusion of diverse union members in the ELCOM is well-established. Historical examples include:

The current ELCOM Chairman, a 600-level course representative in Veterinary Medicine.

Excluding former senators from the ELCOM would be discriminatory and could be perceived as nepotism or tribalism—practices antithetical to the University of Abuja’s ethos. 

The SUG Constitution does not prohibit former parliamentarians from serving on the ELCOM, and even active legislators could resign to take up such roles if necessary. Given that the 9th Assembly’s tenure has ended, the erstwhile President’s objections are baseless and divisive.

The leadership of the University of Abuja has a duty to uphold truth, fairness, and constitutional integrity. I urge the following actions:

Reject the Unconstitutional Memo: Dr. Idoko Sunday Idoko, whose unbiased leadership in student affairs has been commendable, must reaffirm the transition timetable and dismiss the erstwhile President’s memo as legally and constitutionally void.

Protect Union Autonomy: The Vice-Chancellor, a respected leader known for her commitment to justice, must ensure that no alumnus or external party is allowed to manipulate the SUG’s democratic processes. The union belongs to its current undergraduate members, and their rights must be safeguarded.

Safeguard the Electoral Process: The Director of the Safety Unit should ensure that the ELCOM operates free from undue influence, allowing all qualified members, including former senators, to serve without discrimination.

Investigate Allegations: A probe into the erstwhile President’s alleged financial misconduct and attempts to control union structures is essential to restore accountability and trust.

The University of Abuja stands as a beacon of unity and inclusivity. Allowing an unqualified individual to disrupt the SUG’s electoral process would set a dangerous precedent and erode the institution’s hard-earned reputation. The Dean, Vice-Chancellor, and Director of the Safety Unit have consistently demonstrated a commitment to fairness and due process. Now, more than ever, their leadership is needed to ensure that truth prevails and the SUG remains a democratic institution accountable to its members.

As students and stakeholders, we trust in the university’s leadership to act decisively. The SUG is not a personal fiefdom—it is a collective legacy that must be protected for current and future generations. Let us uphold the principles of justice, unity, and constitutional integrity that define the Yakubu Gowon University.