The president of the student union at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University in Nigeria’s Benue State has been indefinitely suspended following accusations of financial mismanagement, forgery, and abuse of office. Tivkaa Evelyn Terwanger, elected to lead the Students’ Union Government (SUG), was removed from her role on August 12, 2025, after a unanimous vote by the union’s parliament during an emergency session.
The parliamentary body cited multiple alleged violations, including criminal impersonation, misappropriation of union funds, and actions deemed “gross misconduct.” Lawmakers directed Terwanger to immediately surrender all union assets to Vice President Ogberu Emmanuel Abi, who has assumed duties as acting president while investigations proceed. A public notice issued by the parliament warned individuals and organizations to cease engaging with Terwanger as a representative of the student body, underscoring that her authority had been revoked.
The decision follows mounting scrutiny over the union’s financial practices, though specific details of the allegations have not yet been disclosed. In a statement, the parliament stressed its obligation to uphold accountability, stating the move was necessary to “protect the interests of the university’s student community.” The union’s governing body reiterated its commitment to transparency, adding that disciplinary measures would align with internal protocols and due process.
Student unions in Nigerian universities often manage budgets for events, advocacy campaigns, and welfare initiatives, granting elected leaders significant influence over campus affairs. Allegations of financial impropriety, while not uncommon in student politics, can erode trust and prompt institutional interventions. The case marks a critical test for the university’s student governance structures as Abi steps into an oversight role amid the probe.
No timeline has been set for the investigation’s conclusion, but the outcome could set precedents for handling accountability within student-led organizations. The university administration has not publicly commented, though such suspensions typically involve coordination between student leaders and school officials. For now, the parliament’s decisive action signals a broader effort to address concerns over ethical governance while maintaining academic and operational stability.
