Four students at Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) have been suspended by the university management for allegedly raping a female student.
The students school on the Obio Akpa Campus of the state-owned university in Southern Nigeria.
According to a letter by the university authorities on Friday in Uyo, the names of the perpetrators and their registration numbers were given as Akpan Udeme Matthew (AK15/ART/HIS/009), Essien Godwin Fidelis (AK16/SMS/MAS/019), Bassey Courage Joseph (AK16/ART/PFA/009) and Bassey Godspower Columbus (AK16/SMS/PAD/012).
The Head, Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Protocol of the University, Akaninyene Ibanga noted that the four culprits have their studentship suspended based on a Senate decision indicating that their gross misconduct constitutes a breach of the Matriculation Oath.
“The University has received a security report that on Saturday, March 23, 2019, you in company of three others allegedly raped and caused severe bodily harm to a female student of the Department of Performing Arts and Mass Communication,” the letter read in part.
“Kindly be informed that the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University has taken appropriate disciplinary measures against the four students who have recently been involved in rape cases and caused embarrassment to the University Community”
Ibanga explained that the suspension letters were issued in line with the University rules and regulations as enshrined in the Student Information handbook.
He further explained that the suspension would allow the police to properly investigate the case.
The university’s spokesperson who spoke further on the issue during a telephone interview disclosed that the students would be expelled if the outcome of police investigation established their involvement in the rape.
He further disclosed that the victim has however obtained a medical report to back police investigation.
