Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic (IMAP) in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has taken disciplinary action by rusticating seven graduating female students involved in what has been labeled as an “indecent” sign-out celebration.
Mr. Ali Hassan Mohammed, the Public Relations Officer of the state-owned institution, disclosed this decision in a statement released on Friday in Lafia. The Academic Board of IMAP convened on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, and unanimously decided to rusticate the students for one academic session.
The rustication follows allegations of indecency during the students’ sign-out celebration, which was deemed to have tarnished the institution’s reputation. In response, Ali Hassan Mohammed stated, “The affected students, who have already been communicated with, are to resume in the 2023/2024 academic session with letters of undertaking to be of good behavior from their guardians or parents, serving as a deterrent to others.”
Addressing the development, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Justina Anjide-Kotso, affirmed her commitment to upholding standards and academic excellence within the institution. Dr. Anjide-Kotso emphasized that her administration would not compromise on principles and urged students to remain dedicated to their studies while maintaining discipline.
The incident gained public attention when images of the affected students, dressed inappropriately during a sign-out celebration months ago, circulated widely on social media, sparking criticism from Nigerians.
In response to the controversy, the school management has implemented a ban on sign-out celebrations within the campus until further notice. This move signals the institution’s commitment to maintaining decorum and ensuring that students adhere to acceptable standards of conduct.