An oath form has been introduced by the management of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, compelling students to refrain from participating in any form of protest.
The recent student protest, sparked by the killing of Joseph Agabaidu, a fifth-year Geology student, has influenced the school management’s decision.
Joseph, a resident of Benue State and a student at ATBU, Bauchi, was fatally stabbed on December 2, 2023, while trying to retrieve his girlfriend’s stolen bag.
The tragic incident occurred near Yelwan Tudu market in the Yelwa area of Bauchi metropolis, leading to the immediate shutdown of the school by the management to avoid any escalation or unforeseen circumstances.
The management, in a bid to prevent further unrest, closed the school on December 3, 2023, for an initial one week, later extending the resumption date to January 7, 2024.
According to a specimen copy of the form obtained by DailyPost, it emanated from the Academic Division in the office of the Registrar with reference number: ATBU/REG/ADM/24, dated December 21, 2023.
The form titled “OATH OF GOOD CHARACTER AND COMPLIANCE” emphasizes the undertaking not to participate in any form of demonstration or protest on any of the University Campuses and to abstain from the use of illicit drugs as stipulated in the Students’ Handbook.
Additionally, students are required to provide a medical report of the toxicology test upon resumption and promise to adhere to the university’s rules and regulations.
Students are expected to sign the form and submit it to the management upon resumption, acknowledging the consequences of going against the stated commitments.
When contacted, ATBU’s Director of Information, Zailani Bappa, clarified that the school is only against unauthorized protests, as no law permits students to engage in protests without police permission. He stated, “The management is only against unauthorized protest because no law allows students to participate in any protest without the permission of the police.”