The Management of Gombe State University (GOMSU) has formally issued a high-level administrative directive regarding the protection of its corporate identity and intellectual property. This notice follows a series of internal observations and reports concerning the unauthorized proliferation of social media accounts, publications, and digital materials that utilize the University’s name, logo, and identifiable insignia without institutional consent.
This directive is a strategic move to centralize official communication and protect the university's reputation from the risks of misinformation, fraudulent activities, and digital impersonation. As a public institution of higher learning, GOMSU's brand elements—specifically its name, crest, and logo—are legal trademarks protected under Nigerian law and university statutes.
Scope of the Prohibition and Identity Standards
The university management has identified several areas where unauthorized usage has become prevalent. The directive specifically targets the reproduction, alteration, or creation of materials bearing the GOMSU identity in the following contexts:
Social Media Management: The establishment of Facebook pages, X (formerly Twitter) profiles, Instagram accounts, or Telegram channels that claim to be official or represent specific university departments without written approval.
Visual Insignia: The use of the University Crest and Logo in digital or print publications, brochures, or promotional graphics that have not been vetted by the University’s Public Relations Unit.
Digital Alteration: Any modification or creative redesign of the official logo for use in student group materials or external organization advertisements.
Directives for Compliance and Deactivation
In line with this announcement, GOMSU has outlined a clear path for immediate compliance. All individuals, groups, or organizations currently maintaining unauthorized platforms are required to perform the following actions:
Immediate Deactivation: All unofficial social media handles or websites using the university’s name or logo must be deactivated or deleted immediately.
Material Withdrawal: Any digital or physical publications currently in circulation that utilize university insignia without a written permit must be withdrawn from the public domain.
Formal Clearance: Any entity wishing to use the university's identity for legitimate academic or collaborative purposes must seek prior written approval from the appropriate University authorities (typically through the Registrar or the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology).
Legal and Administrative Consequences
The University Management has emphasized that this directive is not a mere advisory but a binding legal notice. Failure to adhere to these instructions will trigger several levels of disciplinary and legal action:
Administrative Sanctions: For students or staff members involved in unauthorized identity usage, the university will apply its internal disciplinary code, which may include suspension or other penalties.
Legal Litigation: External organizations or individuals found to be impersonating the university or infringing on its trademarks will be subject to prosecution under the intellectual property laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Digital Reporting: The university's ICT department is actively monitoring digital platforms and will report unauthorized accounts to social media providers for permanent removal based on trademark infringement.
The Importance of Official Channels
By enforcing this directive, Gombe State University aims to ensure that students, staff, and the general public receive accurate and verified information. Official communications are exclusively disseminated through the University’s verified social media handles and its official website. Safeguarding the integrity of these channels is essential for maintaining the high academic and administrative standards for which GOMSU is known.
Signed:
Management
Gombe State University