Yisau Babatunde reports,
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| The Alleged Released Memorandum |
Just recently, the Management of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has debunked a viral memo following its widespread circulation in social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook and other platforms.
The memo, which was allegedly released from the University’s Academic Branch and dated on February 20, 2026, sparked flurry reactions among students, especially given its instructive contents and purported warnings.
Though the source of the memo was still remains unknown, it read in part: “It is hereby to inform that during the Holy month of Ramadan standing together as a couple (boy & girl) is strictly prohibited. If any couple is found standing together, their nikkah will be arranged immediately.”
It further compelled students to respect the sanctity of the university and avoid unnecessary closeness, stating that in the event of violation, the couple will be responsible for arranging their marriage.
Following the whispering commotion on the authenticity of this information, many students said that the directive is quite unfounded, raising concerns that it must be digitally manipulated and likely generated using artificial intelligence tools.
“It Doesn't Look Authentic” —Students Reacts
When the image was first posted into several faculty WhatsApp groups around 9:00 a.m., students expressed mixed reactions ranging from amusement to concern.
“At first, I thought it was real because of the logo and signature,” said Hamid Mubarak, a 300-level student from the Faculty of Social Sciences. “But the grammar was strange. The line ‘It is hereby to inform’ didn’t sound official.”
Waheed Kabir, 300 level, from the Faculty of Law described the notice as “too extreme to be credible.”
“Even if there are moral guidelines during Ramadan, forcing marriage as punishment is not something a federal university would declare in that manner,” he said.
Digital Manipulation and AI Concerns
Several students also pointed out different formatting inconsistencies, including repeated notes at the bottom of the page, unusual spacing, and what appeared to be a digitally imposed signature.
Media and communication experts note that the document bears hallmarks of AI-generated or digitally altered content. Common indicators include awkward sentence construction, inconsistent formatting, and the misuse of formal institutional language.
“With the rise of generative AI tools, it has become easier to create convincing but entirely false documents,” said Tijani Toheeb, a design creator. “Logos, signatures, and official stamps can now be replicated within minutes.”
Ramadan Sensitivity and Institutional Image
The timing when the fake notice was published, just days after the beginning of Ramadan amplified its impact. UDUS, located in Sokoto State, operates within a predominantly Muslim environment where religious observances are deeply respected. As a result, the content of the fabricated notice resonated enough to cause a momentary alarm.
Some students feared disciplinary crackdowns, while others worried about reputational damage to the institution.
“It paints the university as extreme,” Adegbola Francis, a final-year student, said. “People outside Sokoto might believe it without verifying.”
A Call For Verification — SU CTC
The Students Union CTC Chairman, Tasiu Aminu has urged students to verify information before sharing.
“In this era of screenshots and forwarded messages, we must be cautious, if a notice does not come from official channels, treat it as unverified.”
He asserted that the incident serves as a reminder of the power and danger of digital misinformation. While the fake notice may have started as a prank or experiment with AI tools, its rapid circulation underscores how easily institutional credibility can be tested in the age of viral content.
For now, one thing is clear, that the so-called “Ramadan Nikkah Directive” is not from UDUS but from the growing ecosystem of AI-enabled misinformation.
Management Debunk Memo As Fake
The Dean of Students Affairs Unit, Prof Aliyu Umar said the document was fabricated and a fake information.
“There is no such directive from the Academic Branch, all official communications are released through verified channels, the university’s website, official notice boards, and recognized student platforms.”
He added that students should be extremely careful of such misinformation to avoid future incidents.