The management of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has suspended the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) indefinitely following alleged misconduct during the recently concluded 2025 Students’ Week.
The decision, announced in a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, came after widespread criticism of activities carried out during the controversial “Gender Swap Day” segment of the celebration.
Images and videos from the event, which surfaced online, drew backlash from members of the university community and the public, with many describing the activities as inappropriate and contrary to the university’s code of conduct.
“The incident was regrettable and disappointing. The actions of some students clearly violated the moral and cultural values upheld by this institution,” the statement read.
An emergency meeting of the university’s management held on Monday, October 13, blamed the SUG leadership for what it called a failure of oversight and coordination during the week-long programme.
The university said the indefinite suspension of the SUG would allow for a comprehensive review and restructuring of student leadership structures, aimed at fostering discipline, accountability, and responsible representation.
“Students who misrepresented the image of the university during the event will face appropriate disciplinary measures,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He added that some individuals involved in acts considered criminal had been arrested and would be handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.
In reaction, the SUG, led by its president, Mr Victor Mishak Abednego, issued a public apology to the university management and the entire student body, expressing regret over the conduct of the event.
The union pledged to observe stricter adherence to university guidelines in future engagements, should it be reinstated.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to upholding academic excellence and moral discipline, warning that similar incidents would not be tolerated in the future.
