Covenant University has reiterated a longstanding campus policy that prohibits students from possessing SIM-enabled mobile phones and from cooking in residence halls — rules the institution says are designed to reduce distractions and protect student welfare. The policy, which appears in the university’s official guidance and student handbooks, has resurfaced in recent days after social-media posts and news outlets highlighted the restrictions and sparked debate among students and the public.
The rule on phones is not new. Covenant’s official FAQ and admissions materials note that students are not permitted to possess personal cell phones with SIM capability while on campus; the university allows non-SIM-enabled devices such as laptops, tablets and certain other electronics for academic work and provides campus telephone facilities for necessary calls. University officials and promotional materials frame the restriction as part of a broader effort to minimise distraction and foster a focused learning environment.
Similarly, regulations governing halls of residence explicitly bar students from cooking in their rooms. The student handbook and resumption protocols spell out banned items and activities — including personal cooking — and set out disciplinary pathways for violations. The university says centralized catering and supervised food services are provided to ensure safety, hygiene and order within residence areas.
The issue reappeared in public discussion after recent social posts and news items summarised the rules as a fresh “ban.” Local news outlets and social platforms republished the notice, prompting reactions ranging from support to criticism. Supporters argue the rules help preserve academic seriousness and reduce incidents linked to unsupervised appliances or unregulated internet use, while critics say the regulations are paternalistic and clash with modern expectations about connectivity and personal autonomy.
Enforcement and consequences for breaches have varied over time but historically have included disciplinary measures. Past notices and campus memos have warned students that possession of prohibited SIM-enabled devices or use of cooking appliances in halls could result in sanctions, including suspension in particularly serious cases. University authorities typically cite safety — for example, risks from unattended stoves or improvised electrical setups — as another reason for limiting cooking in student rooms.
Covenant’s approach mirrors that of some other institutions that restrict certain personal electronics or unsupervised cooking to protect students and reduce disruptions. However, the strength and specifics of such rules differ widely across universities, and enforcement often becomes a flashpoint when students expect greater independence in managing their daily lives. Observers say that in an era when internet access and smartphones are central to study and social life, institutions must balance discipline with students’ legitimate needs for communication and digital learning tools.
What students and parents should know • Read the official documents: If you are a student or incoming freshman, consult Covenant University’s FAQ, resumption protocols and student handbook for precise details on permitted devices and residence rules.
• Use approved alternatives: The university permits laptops, tablets and campus internet services for academic work; students who need to make calls can use campus telephone facilities.
• Understand safety rationale: The prohibition on cooking is tied to fire, electrical and hygiene risks in dormitories; centralized catering and supervised meal options are the preferred campus solution.
• Expect enforcement: Violations can attract disciplinary action; students should check the latest resumption notices and hall regulations for any updates.
The university has not, at the time of writing, issued a new or revised policy statement beyond its existing rules, and many of the recent headlines appear to reflect renewed attention to a policy that has been in force for years. Prospective and current students concerned about how the rules affect study, family contact or special needs should reach out directly to Covenant University’s student affairs office for clarification and guidance.
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