Umahi University sanctions 29 students, expels 3; matriculates 1,044 students
2026-03-08 - 15:37
By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki The David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, has sanctioned 29 students for offences including exam malpractice, bullying, theft, and drug use, while three students were expelled, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jesse Uneke, has disclosed. Prof. Uneke made the announcement during the university’s 5th matriculation ceremony, where 1,044 students were officially admitted. He emphasized that the university maintains strict discipline, and its rules are strictly enforced. According to the Vice-Chancellor, the Senate approved disciplinary measures based on the severity of the offences: Expulsion: 3 students for examination misconduct and theft One-year suspension: 10 students for drug use, cyberbullying, obscene publications, and stealing Short-term suspension (1 month to 1 semester): 14 students for bullying or assault Withdrawal: 1 student due to poor academic performance Warning letter: 1 student for minor misdemeanour Prof. Uneke also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in developing infrastructure, equipping facilities, and staff development. He highlighted that the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved six faculties with 19 departments offering 17 programmes, including Medicine & Surgery, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Engineering, Radiography & Radiation Science, Optometry, Public Health, Human Nutrition & Dietetics, Computer Science, Industrial/Medical Physics, Industrial/Medicinal Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and Industrial Mathematics/Health Statistics. The Vice-Chancellor described DUFUHS as a leading international university committed to innovation, research, and high-quality manpower development in the health and related sectors. Students are given early exposure to research and access to over 300 electronic textbooks in their disciplines before graduation. He added that the university ensures lecturers’ presence in class, stable academic programmes, and operates a 100% on-campus residence policy. Classrooms and laboratories are well-equipped and air-conditioned, while hostels have consistent power and water supply. Community Health Initiatives DUFUHS operates an ultramodern Eye Centre, offering free eye care. From 13 February 2025 to 28 February 2026, the Centre treated 3,731 patients, including 195 surgical cases (mostly cataract), and distributed over 1,500 free eyeglasses. The University also runs a subsidized cancer treatment programme through its Cancer Centre. In the past year, 239 patients received care, with a 96% recovery rate. Breast and prostate cancers were the most common cases treated. Prof. Uneke concluded by highlighting the university’s commitment to cleanliness, infrastructure maintenance, and functional facilities, including lifts and escalators, noting DUFUHS as one of the cleanest universities in Nigeria.