Plateau State University (PLASU) has responded to a viral video of students kneeling during an exam, sparking allegations that a lecturer forced them to do so due to tardiness.
The video, which was widely circulated on Facebook, sparked allegations that a lecturer named Felix Masok punished students by forcing them to kneel after arriving late for an exam. PLASU.
PLASU breaks silence
However, in an official statement posted on the university’s website, PLASU denied that the students were forced to kneel as a form of punishment.
According to the institution, the incident occurred on February 5, 2026, more than 30 minutes after the scheduled General Studies (GST) examination, which ended around 3:30 p.m.
School says students did so willingly
According to the university, a group of students who arrived at the venue after the examination had already concluded chose to kneel on their own as a sign of mercy in order to be allowed to sit for the test.
Management stated that after witnessing the students’ display of remorse, the supervising official intervened and asked them to stand up, eventually granting them special permission to take the examination despite their tardiness.
PLASU noted that its Student Handbook strictly prohibits entry into the examination hall 30 minutes after the start of an exam, adding that allowing the students to write the test technically bypassed the institution’s established rules.
While acknowledging the backlash generated by the viral video, the university expressed concern about what it described as a “social media trial”, noting that no formal complaint had been submitted through official channels such as the university management or the Student Union Government (SUG) before the video surfaced online.
The institution further announced that it would engage independent investigators to examine the incident and determine whether any examination regulations were violated by those involved.
It read …
“The Management of Plateau State University (PLASU) is aware of a video circulating on social media regarding the alleged maltreatment of students during the recently concluded first-semester examinations. We wish to categorically state our unwavering commitment to the fundamental human rights and dignity of every member of our university community.
Following a preliminary internal review, the University provides the following clarifications regarding the events of February 5, 2026 which coincided with a world press conference by the Vice Chancellor and a campus tour by invited reporters who witnessed the early part of the examination:
1. The incident occurred after 4:00 PM, more than 30 minutes after the official conclusion of the General Studies (GST) examinations, which ended at 3:30 PM.
2. Evidence suggests that a group of students who arrived late to the venue — more than 30 minutes after the exams were concluded — voluntarily chose to kneel and approach the hall as a collective plea for mercy. Their intent was to appeal for late entry into the examination.
3. Contrary to reports of “punishment,” the supervising official—acted out of compassion. Upon seeing the students’ public display of remorse, he intervened, directed them to stand, and granted them exceptional permission to sit for the exam despite their late arrival.
While the University commends the spirit of “magnanimity” shown by the official to ensure students did not miss their academic requirements, it is important to note that the Student Handbook (Section 6.4, No. 2 & 3) strictly prohibits entry into an examination hall 30 minutes after commencement. By allowing these students entry, both the staff and the students technically bypassed established protocols. While this was done to mitigate the stress of overwhelmed resources at the Computer-Based Test (CBT) center, the University maintains that regulations exist to ensure order and fairness.
PLASU views the “social media trial” and the resulting backlash with concern. While we respect the public’s right to free expression, the University has established internal channels for grievances, including formal petitions to Management or the Student Union Government (SUG). To date, no formal complaint was lodged through these official channels before the video was shared online.
To ensure absolute transparency and fairness, the University will engage independent investigators to probe the incident further. We will examine the adherence to examination regulations by all parties involved to determine if further administrative action is required.
In addition, management is actively working to address the resource constraints that contribute to overcrowding at examination centers, contributing to students’ lateness as in the case under review.
We appeal to the student body, parents, and the general public to remain calm and allow the University to conclude its findings. PLASU remains a sanctuary for learning and character building, and we will not allow its reputation to be unfairly maligned by incomplete narratives.
Masara Kim
Acting Public Relations Officer
Plateau State University, Bokkos”
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