The management of Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri has suspended one of its lecturers, Desmond Izunwanne, for alleging spanking a pregnant student.
The pregnant student was said to have arrived a class session behind schedule and adorned in a non-departmental uniform.
The spokesperson for the university, Ralph Njoku-Obi, in a statement in Owerri, described the lecturer’s action as “barbaric and unbecoming.”
Njoku-Obi disclosed that the management at a meeting approved the suspension of the lecturer, Dr. Desmond Izunwanne till further notice.
The spokesperson also announced that a three-man Disciplinary committee had been constituted to “unravel the immediate and remote causes that led to the lecturer’s uncouth behaviour.”
The statement reads: “It has come to the notice of the Management of Imo State University 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 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 May 2, 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 he is placed in the university and sincerely believe in rules of engagement between lecturers and students.”
