The Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri has suspended one of its lecturers, Desmond Izunwanne, for allegedly slapping a female student who arrived at a class session behind schedule and in non-departmental uniform.
A video of what was believed to be the assault was earlier shared social media where is attracted global outrage.
The spokesperson for the University, Ralph Njokuobi, in a statement in Owerri, the state capital, said the lecturer’s action was “barbaric and unbecoming.”
Njokuobi said at a management meeting, the university approved the immediate suspension of the lecturer till further notice.
The university’s spokesperson also announced that a three-man disciplinary committee was constituted to “unravel the immediate and remote causes that led to his uncouth behaviour.”
The statement read, “It has come to the notice of the Management of the Imo State University that the viral video circulating around the globe about the indecorous actions of a lecturer of the university, Dr Desmond lzunwanne of the Physiology Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of the Imo State University, Owerri, against four students of the university.
“Management viewed the action of the lecturer as barbaric and unbecoming of such a person occupying that position.
“At the end of the management meeting held on Tuesday 2 May 2023, management approved the suspension of the lecturer, Dr Desmond lzunwanne, till further notice and has set up a three-man disciplinary committee to unravel the immediate and remote causes that led to his uncouth behaviour.
The university further implored “the general public and indeed all Human Rights Organisations” to allow it “conduct a proper investigation and recommend appropriate sanctions where necessary in line with the staff conditions of service.
“Management will not accept any breach in the academic and moral standards expected of any lecturer irrespective of how highly he is placed in the university and sincerely believe in rules of engagement between lecturers and students.
“The University is on top of the game as it affects the matter under review. Thanks for your understanding and patience.”
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