A wave of discontent is brewing within the student community of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), following what many have described as a clear double standard in the university’s disciplinary procedures.

The ICIR reported that the recent dismissal of three lecturers for various forms of misconduct including result tampering, sexual harassment, and absenteeism has sparked widespread discussion, not because of the offences, but because of how the university handled the announcement.

Unlike previous cases involving students, where information like matriculation number were publicly disclosed, the lecturers’ identities were withheld.

This disparity in treatment has sparked mixed feelings even as students are questioning why the university is quick to publicise student infractions yet chooses to cloak staff misconduct in anonymity.

The outrage has spilled onto social media platforms and the university community with many calling for transparency across all levels.

Back in 2018, UDUS made headlines when it expelled 12 students from the department of Medical Laboratory Science. Their matriculation numbers as well as the reasons were published in the department. The justification was academic failure, and some were identified for overstaying the allowed years of study or falling short of minimum performance benchmarks. 

Nigerian universities have, in recent years, adopted a notably public approach to student disciplinary actions, often releasing detailed information including names and offences through official channels or media reports.

For instance, the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) expelled five students and suspended 152 others in August 2024, with the announcement identifying those affected and circulating widely in the media. 

Similarly, the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) in July 2023 published the names of seven students it expelled, and six others rusticated for misconduct, sparking a mix of reactions.

At Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), the expulsion of a 300-level student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, in February 2025 made headlines after she allegedly attacked a lecturer while recording a TikTok video with her identity openly revealed in multiple reports. 

Double standard?

In contrast, during its 171st regular meeting on March 12, 2025, the university’s Governing Council confirmed the dismissal of three staff members for gross misconduct. While the offences were disclosed, no names or departments were revealed. The announcement was carefully worded, offering just enough detail to inform but not enough to hold anyone publicly accountable.

The ICIR gathered that also, in June 2017, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) dismissed a lecturer for altering students’ results, but the institution declined to name the individual, only noting the action as a deterrent.

This inconsistency has fuelled claims of preferential treatment and a lack of institutional fairness. Critics argue that if students can be publicly sanctioned, staff particularly those whose actions could directly affect students should be held to the same standard.

A representative of the university, the PRO Mallam Ismail Muhammed Yauri, was contacted for comment, and promised he would get back in a week’s time.

However, he did not, and this reporter tried contacting him several times afterwards but failed. As at the time of filing this report, he was yet to respond to our inquiries on the matter.

As the backlash grows, the institution faces renewed calls to apply its transparency policies evenly not just to students, but to all members of the academic community.