The administration of the Imo State University, Owerri, has suspended Dr. Desmond Izunwanne, one of its lecturers indefinitely for reportedly hitting female students who showed up late and wearing non-departmental attire.
Recall that a video surfaced online showing the moment he slapped the student for wearing a mufti to class, despite her explanation that she had just returned from the hospital.
In a statement, Ralph Njokuobi, a spokesman for the university, called the lecturer’s behavior “barbaric and unbecoming.”
According to Njokuobi, a three-person disciplinary committee was established to “unravel the immediate and remote causes that led to his uncouth behavior.”
The statement reads;
“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 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.”
