Margaret Lawrence University has officially prohibited the use of smartphones on its campuses, warning that students caught violating the policy for the first time face a mandatory two-week suspension.
The Vice-Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie, announced the strict new policy on Monday, March 16, 2026, during the institution’s third matriculation ceremony in Abuja. Addressing the 272 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session, Prof. Izevbigie explained that smartphones have become a “major source of distraction” that hinders academic excellence. Under the new regime, students are permitted to use only “basic” or “feature” phones—commonly known as palasa—which are restricted to voice calls and text messaging. The Vice-Chancellor warned that the institution would not hesitate to enforce discipline, stating that first-time offenders would be suspended for two weeks, with penalties escalating for repeat violations.
The university, which operates campuses in both Abuja and Galilee, Delta State, is pitching the ban as a unique “selling point” for parents seeking a focused environment for their children. Prof. Izevbigie argued that providing students with unrestricted access to the internet and social media apps while on campus is “not a good idea” if the goal is true academic immersion. “They are not allowed to use smartphones so they can communicate [effectively],” he said, adding that the restriction encourages students to engage more deeply with their studies rather than visiting “sites they have no business going to.” The hybrid matriculation event also saw the commissioning of the university’s new International Conference Centre and a progress report on its state-of-the-art teaching hospital.
Supporting the move, the university’s Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Paul Odili, urged the matriculants to view the policy as a tool for character building. He reminded the students that their primary mission is to acquire knowledge and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for leadership. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, who commended the institution for its rapid infrastructure growth. As the 2026 academic year kicks off, the university remains firm that its “smartphone-free” campus will produce a more disciplined and professionally competent generation of graduates.
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