The Right to Fair Hearing and Its Application in Administrative Disciplinary Proceedings in Nigerian Public Universities: A Study of Universities in the North Central Zone

The right to fair hearing, enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, applies not only to judicial proceedings but also to administrative disciplinary processes, including staff and student disciplinary hearings in public universities. Notwithstanding this constitutional guarantee, administrative disciplinary practice in Nigerian public universities frequently departs from fair hearing standards, raising significant public law concerns. This study examines the application of the right to fair hearing in administrative disciplinary proceedings at selected public universities in the North Central geopolitical zone, including the University of Abuja and the University of Jos. A doctrinal methodology supplemented by case study analysis is applied, examining internal disciplinary regulations, selected judicial review decisions, and documented disciplinary outcomes involving staff and students. The study evaluates compliance with the audi alteram partem and nemo judex in causa sua principles as constituent elements of fair hearing. Available administrative law literature from North Central Nigeria identifies procedurally defective hearing committees, undisclosed evidence, and lack of legal representation as recurrent fair hearing violations in university disciplinary contexts. The Natural Justice Framework provides the primary analytical reference. Findings indicate systematic procedural deficiencies and recommend reform of disciplinary regulations, establishment of independent grievance panels, and mandatory training of hearing committee members in administrative law. Keywords: fair hearing, natural justice, public universities, disciplinary proceedings, North Central Nigeria.