FIFTEEN Nigerian students and one Ghanaian have been expelled from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for their alleged involvement in various acts of misconduct in the university.

Dismissal letters handed to the students yesterday, a copy of which was seen by the Times, stated that after careful monitoring of their activities and behaviour, the university authorities were convinced that their presence posed a serious risk to both students and staff.

It, however, did not give details of the specific acts, but said the university’s action was without any prejudice to ongoing investigations by the national security on the students.

The affected students include Prince Orianwo, third year Biochemistry; Nnamdi Nnakwadolu Enekwa; first year Chemical Engineering; Fortune Chimenem Orianwo, first year, Social Sciences; Ndamka Chima Onyeche, third year, Mechanical Engineering; Onomeh Uduebor second year, Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Peter Odilli, second year, Human Biology, and Medingo Edem Usoro, second year, Human Biology.

The others are Jemila Temila, third year, Biological Science; Edu Ekanabias Udofia, second year, Chemistry; Daraeno Ekong Udofia, second year Biochemistry; Anthony Oyiweabuchi Udehi, third year, Computer Engineering and Ifeanyi Francis Ekwelibe, first year Social Science.

The rest are Dominic Bari-Nyana, first year Computer Science, Nnaemka Uchenna-Emezue second year; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Afam Ochia, fourth year social Science and Albert Ofori Woode, second year, Agriculture.

Further investigations by the Times at the University Relations Office revealed that the misconduct for which the students had been dismissed were committed about a year ago and investigations had been ongoing since then.

A source said the action by the university had nothing to do with the rioting by some Nigerian students that followed last week’s incident in which a Nigerian student met his death when he attempted arresting a thief.

Meanwhile, in a bid to tighten security in and around the university campus, the authorities have designated the Bonso gate of the university as the only exit point from campus with effect from today.

A release signed by Mr Kobby Yebo-Okrah, Deputy Registrar said that "entry to the university from Kumasi and Bomso areas shall be accessed through the main university entrance".