The management body of Imo State University (IMSU) has suspended Dr. Desmond Izunwanne, a lecturer at the Physiology Department, who slapped a student in a lecture hall.
His prompt sack was disclosed by the school’s Deputy Registrar Head, Media and Public Relations, Ralph Njokuobi, in a press statement signed on Wednesday, 3rd May, in Owerri.
Expressive Info earlier reported the incident shared in an online video and which went extremely viral, sparking a lot of controversies. The video revealed the lecturer slapping a Ukamaka twice and asked her to kneel down for wearing mufti to the class. This was the case even though the Medical Laboratory student explained to the lecturer that she was sick and had to come directly from the hospital.
The IMSU management reacted, saying: “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.”
