13 August 2007
Lagos — The federal government has summoned the management of the privately-owned Covenant University, Ota, over reports that it is compelling its graduating students to undergo HIV and pregnancy tests.The Minister of State for Education, Mrs.A'ishatu Dukku, told the Southern African correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Johannesburg that the Vice Chancellor) of the university has been summoned by the government on the issue.Dukku told NAN at the weekend that: "I must tell you that government is aware of this and is taking it up with the university."Already, the National University Commission (NUC) is handling the case, "she said adding that "the V-C has been invited to NUC and we are waiting for its report."
NUC, being the regulatory body for universities in the country, had reportedly condemned the decision by the university.It stated that universities, as citadels of learning and knowledge, should at all times endeavour to comply with public policies and international conventions on HIV. It stressed that although the commissionwas yet to receive any complaint, the covenant university "should respect both national and international policies on HIV test.
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