The management of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo State, has suspended a lecturer, Ifeanyichukwu Okoroafor, for allegedly assaulting a male student.
Mr. Okoroafor, who serves as a facilitator at the institution’s Technical and Entrepreneurship Development Centre, was caught on video physically attacking a student identified as Chidera.
The incident, which occurred on March 13, quickly went viral on social media, prompting swift action from the institution.
In the video, Mr. Okoroafor was seen aggressively hitting the student before kicking him, causing him to fall. Other students present pleaded with the lecturer to forgive the student, who reportedly entered the classroom contrary to prior instructions. The student later explained that he was unaware of the rule because he was not present when it was given.
In response to the incident, the institution issued a suspension letter to Mr. Okoroafor on March 14, pending further investigation.
“You are hereby suspended from duty as a facilitator in the Technical and Entrepreneurship Development Centre pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident that occurred yesterday,” the letter, signed by the centre’s Director, Okoye P.C., read.
The suspension letter was also copied to the polytechnic’s rector, the Dean of Student Affairs, and the Student Union Government.
Following public outrage, Edugist gathered that Mr. Okoroafor issued an apology to the student, acknowledging that his actions were unprofessional and unacceptable.
“I am deeply sorry for the way I treated you, and I realize that my actions were unacceptable and hurtful,” he wrote in his apology letter, which has been widely shared online.
He further assured that he would work towards ensuring a safe learning environment for his students and expressed willingness to meet with the student to discuss possible amends.
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede has yet to announce the outcome of its investigation, but the incident has reignited discussions on student safety and professional conduct among educators in Nigerian institutions.
