Imo varsity suspends lecturer for slapping student, launches investigation
The Imo State University in Owerri has suspended one of its lecturers, Desmond Izunwanne, after allegedly slapping a female student for arriving late to class and not wearing the departmental uniform.
The University’s spokesperson, Ralph Njokuobi, described the action as “barbaric and unbecoming” in a statement released in Owerri on Wednesday.
A viral video shared on social media over the weekend showed the lecturer assaulting a female student. He slapped her and asked her to kneel down, questioning her reason for wearing a mufti to class and accusing her of not coming from the hospital like other students.
Following a meeting held on Tuesday, the university management decided to suspend the lecturer indefinitely and set up a three-man panel to investigate the immediate and remote causes that led to his behaviour.
The statement released by Njokuobi reads, “The management of the Imo State University has taken notice of 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, 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, May 2, 2023, management approved the suspension of the lecturer 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 general public and indeed all human rights organizations are hereby implored to allow the university to 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.”
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