Wakili Abdulrahman, the president of the Student Union of Government (SUG) at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), has urged students to adhere to rules and regulations of the institution by taking the toxicology test.
The president made the call following concerns over sudden directive by the management of the institution for students to mandatorily take drug test.
In a bulletin released on Thursday titled, “Students Union Government Addresses Concerns Regarding Oath of Good Character and Toxicology Test”, the president advised students to remain calm adding that persons whose result appear positive will not be sanctioned
“Toxicology Test Update: Additionally, the students Union Government is pleased to announce the students concerning the toxicology test. It has been mutually decided that there will be no penalties even if the test results are positive. Students who test positive will be directed to guidance and counseling for advice on how to address the issue. We strongly advise all students to undergo the test and submit the results through the appropriate channel,” the statement read.
It continued: “In the circular, a particular statement has raised concerns among students, specifically point five which reads, ‘Students to undertake not to participate in any form of demonstration or protest on any of the university campuses.’
“The Students Union Government is actively engaging in discussions to amend this statement to emphasize ‘not to participate in unauthorized or illegal demonstration or protest’ rather than any form of protest or demonstration.
“We want to address all students that their concerns are being addressed, and we encourage everyone to remain calm during this process.”
This development is coming weeks after a violent protest erupted in response to Joseph Agabaidu’s tragic killing which led the management to take the drastic step of shutting down institution
The 500-level Geology student fell victim to suspected armed robbers who fatally stabbed him during an attempt to retrieve his girlfriend stolen handbag, a tragic incident prompting the school management to extend the closure deadline from December 10, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
