SUG cites security concerns, excessive rallies and alleged breaches of university regulations; TBRi had earlier raised alarm over reported banditry-themed displays
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, has announced the immediate cancellation of all Final Year Brethren (FYB) activities, celebrations and related gatherings across the university, following concerns raised by the Blue Resolution Initiative (TBRi) over a costume-day activity allegedly depicting armed banditry.
The directive, contained in a notice dated August 21, 2026, was signed by the outgoing SUG President, Comr. Alhaji Baba Shehu, and addressed to all students.
According to the SUG, the directive from the Deanery of Students Affairs followed reports of security concerns, excessive rallies and activities allegedly contrary to university regulations and disruptive to academic peace.
The development came after TBRi raised concerns over videos and images purportedly showing some IBBU students portraying armed bandits during a costume-day activity.
In its statement issued on August 21, TBRi described the reported displays as inappropriate, arguing that the portrayal of armed criminals and simulated threats could trivialise the experiences of Nigerians affected by abductions, killings and displacement.
TBRi called on IBBU management to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to uphold the institution’s standards.
The organisation also emphasised the need for academic institutions to promote responsible citizenship and sensitivity to the country's security challenges.
Following the directive, the SUG said university security personnel, working in collaboration with external law enforcement agencies, had been deployed across the university campuses, hostels and surrounding areas.
The union stated that security teams would patrol the university environment to prevent unauthorised gatherings and motorcades.
It further warned that any student or group found organising, participating in or facilitating FYB-related activities would be liable to disciplinary action.
The SUG advised final-year students to complete their academic requirements peacefully and vacate the university premises responsibly after their final examinations.
While the SUG directive follows the concerns raised by TBRi, the notice itself cites security concerns, excessive rallies and alleged violations of university regulations as the reasons for the cancellation. It does not specifically identify the costume-day incident as the sole cause of the directive.
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