University suspends 24 students for cheating and misconduct

The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) in Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, has suspended 24 students for the 2026/2027 academic session due to various offences.

A U. Onah, the university's Registrar, shared this news in a statement on Wednesday.

SUMAS started in 2022 and is run by the Enugu State Government as a medical university.

Mr Onah said the students were accused of academic malpractices and dishonesty. He highlighted that this action shows SUMAS’s strong commitment to keeping high academic standards, discipline, and integrity within the university.

“The suspension of the affected students shows the university’s determination to achieve academic excellence through hard work and honesty, not through cheating or misconduct,” he explained.

The registrar mentioned that SUMAS values character building, discipline, and respect for its values as a specialized institution that aims to produce “competent, ethical, and professionally responsible graduates.”

“Therefore, the university will not allow any behaviour that could damage the credibility of its programs or disturb the peaceful atmosphere needed for teaching, learning, and research,” he added.

Mr Onah also stated that SUMAS has a strict no-tolerance policy for academic malpractice, exam misconduct, and other forms of indiscipline. He said this policy applies to everyone at the university, no matter their position.

“Both staff and students are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional and personal conduct in their roles,” he remarked.

He pointed out that the university’s disciplinary actions are not just about punishing offenders. They also aim to discourage bad behaviour, support discipline, and protect the university's integrity and reputation.

“Students should get to know the university’s rules and regulations, act responsibly, and avoid anything that could harm their academic progress and future careers,” he advised.

The registrar did not disclose the names of the 24 suspended students. He emphasized that with this action, the university has shown it is committed to creating an institution where academic integrity, discipline, excellence, and responsible citizenship are essential values.