The Management of Imo State University, Owerri has suspended one of its lecturers, Desmond Izunwanne, for allegedly slapping female students who arrived at a class session behind schedule and in non-departmental uniform.
The spokesperson for the University, Ralph Njokuobi, in a statement in Owerri, the state capital, said the lecturer’s action was “barbaric and unbecoming.”
Recall that Ukamaka, a female student from the medical laboratory department, was repeatedly slapped by her lecturer after she arrived at class wearing an incorrect outfit for the department.
A video shared on social media by Ukamaka’s classmates showed the incident happened Last Friday in a lecture classroom at the Imo State University (IMSU).
Swiftly reacting to the backlash over the incident, the IMSU management said, ” It has come to the notice of the Management of Imo State University the viral video circulating 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 Imo State University, Owerri against four students of the University.
“Management views the action of the lecturer as barbaric and unbecoming of a person of his 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 general public and indeed all Human Rights Organizations are hereby implored to allow the University 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 placed he is 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.”
