Varsity bans use of smartphones on campus

2026-03-16 - 16:18

...17-year-old student sets sights on medicine to combat quackery. By Joseph Erunke, ABUJA Margaret Lawrence University has banned the use of smartphones on its campus as part of measures aimed at improving students’ concentration and academic performance. The university announced that any student caught using a smartphone for the first time risks a two-week suspension, with stricter penalties for repeated violations. The vice-chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the university’s third matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session, where 272 students were formally admitted into various programmes. The matriculation ceremony was conducted in a hybrid format, with the physical event taking place at the university’s Abuja main campus, while students at the Delta campus participated virtually. Speaking with journalists after the event, Prof. Izevbigie explained that the decision to restrict smartphones was taken to eliminate distractions that could affect students’ focus on their studies. According to him, students are permitted to use basic mobile phones strictly for calls and text messages. “Using smartphones can be a distraction, and the students know that. Their parents also know that. In fact, it is one of our selling points,” he said. “They are allowed to have regular phones for calls and text messages, but giving them access to browse sites they do not need to visit while they are in school is not a good idea. We want them to focus on their studies.” In his remarks, the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of the university, Mr Paul Odili, urged the newly admitted students to remain disciplined and committed to their academic pursuits. He reminded them that their primary mission at the university is to acquire knowledge, develop critical thinking abilities, and build strong character that would prepare them for leadership and professional success. Odili stressed that discipline and dedication to their studies would enable them to excel academically and contribute positively to society. Also speaking, the former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, commended the university for establishing a teaching hospital within three years of its existence, describing the feat as remarkable. According to him, many second-generation universities in Nigeria took nearly two decades to achieve similar milestones. Rasheed noted that the development demonstrates the institution’s commitment to advancing medical education, research and healthcare training. Meanwhile, one of the newly matriculated students, 17-year-old Ido-Abasi Ibanga, said he has chosen to study medicine and surgery with the aim of helping people in medical distress and combating the growing problem of quackery in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Ibanga said his ambition to become a medical doctor developed early in life, driven by compassion for the sick and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the medical field. “I have always had the passion to help people who are in need medically. “These days we see quack doctors around, and I want to make a difference by helping those who truly need professional medical care,” he said. He explained that his fascination with medicine, particularly surgery, lies in the complexity and precision involved in understanding and treating the human body. “Medicine as a whole, especially surgery, fascinates me a lot. I see it as a beautiful work of art where you get to study the human body and understand how everything works together,” he added. Although many Nigerian doctors seek opportunities abroad due to challenges in the country’s healthcare sector, Ibanga said his ultimate goal is simply to help people wherever they may be. “As much as I want to go global as a medical doctor, I don’t mind working anywhere because people need help everywhere around the world. What matters most to me is the satisfaction that comes from helping someone with medical needs,” he said. However, he called on government authorities to improve the welfare and remuneration of medical professionals, noting that the sacrifices involved in becoming a doctor deserve better recognition. Ibanga said he chose Margaret Lawrence University because of its modern teaching hospital and medical training facilities, which he believes will provide him with the practical knowledge required to succeed in the profession. “Margaret Lawrence University has a very big hospital with equipment that most hospitals in Nigeria don’t have. Studying here gives me the opportunity to learn better and practise with modern tools under the guidance of professionals,” he said.