Imo State University (IMSU) has taken action against a lecturer at the Physiology Department, Dr. Desmond Izunwanne, after he allegedly assaulted and slapped a female student. According to reports, the incident occurred when the student, identified as Ukamaka, showed up in class wearing an outfit that was deemed inappropriate for the department.
A video of the incident, which was reportedly recorded by Ukamaka’s classmates, went viral on social media, sparking outrage among Nigerians. In response, IMSU management issued a press statement signed by Ralph Njokuobi, the Deputy Registrar Head of Media and Public Relations, condemning the incident and announcing the suspension of Dr. Izunwanne with immediate effect.
The statement read, “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 university also urged students to report any incident of assault or harassment to the appropriate authorities and emphasized its commitment to maintaining academic and moral standards among its lecturers and students.