Two students in the Mass communication department of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) in Ekiti State have been expelled from the university over their involvement in the bullying of a colleague as captured in a viral video.
The management took the decision on Tuesday after a disciplinary committee was set up to investigate the incident said to have happened on Sunday in one of the hostels.
While Opemiposi Precious, a 100L mass communication was expelled for flogging her colleague, the other student Genesis Osaro was expelled for providing the stick used in flogging the victim identified as Gloria Ajayi from the department.
In the now-viral video, the bully ignored pleas from the victim, saying, “Let me draw blood from you easily or hardly.”
It was learnt that she was attacking Ajayi for allegedly destroying her three-year-old relationship with her boyfriend.
The Public Relations Officer of BOUESTI, Temitope Akinbisoye in a statement said the students violated the extant rules of the institution and the matriculation oath they signed.
The statement read, “ The university authorities condemn in strong terms, any form of violence or misconduct in our University or by any of our constituents. Such behaviour is entirely inconsistent with the values we uphold and the standards of respect and dignity that we expect from all members of our university.
“The university would like to reiterate its zero tolerance for all forms of indiscipline and avowed commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the university community.
“We encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences any form of harassment, abuse or violence against any student to report it immediately to the appropriate authorities.
“Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize the well-being and safety of our University community. We will also reinforce our efforts to educate and promote respectful and responsible behaviour among our students.”
In a related development, the police commissioner in the state, Adeniran Akinwale has ordered the commencement of investigation into the reported assault and molestation of the student in the university.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Sunday Abutu in a statement appealed to the students community and the general public to remain calm, assuring them the police would do justice to the incident.
The statement reads, “The CP has therefore, ordered a discreet investigation into the incident as he has already directed Ikere Area Commander to liaise with the Management of the Institution and ensure the perpetrator is identified, investigated and made to face the legal consequence(s) of her barbaric action.
“Meanwhile, members of the public are implored to be calm and avoid taking laws into their hands as necessary action is underway.”
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