Tension has gripped Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, following an incident involving a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, after a video showing the lecturer being physically assaulted surfaced on social media.
The incident reportedly followed an allegation of attempted sexual misconduct involving a female student, although details surrounding the allegation and the circumstances that led to the confrontation remain under investigation.
The video, which circulated widely on social media platforms on Saturday, has generated reactions from members of the public, with concerns raised over the alleged assault and the events preceding it.
Reacting to the development, the university management condemned the assault and ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah, the university described the incident as unfortunate and reiterated its opposition to violence, self-help and what it termed “jungle justice” within the university community.
Management also reaffirmed the institution’s zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct, harassment and other forms of inappropriate behaviour.
However, the university stressed that allegations of sexual misconduct must be properly investigated and addressed through established institutional procedures rather than through violence or other forms of self-help.
The management stated that no individual or group had the right to take the law into their own hands within the university environment.
The university has therefore activated an immediate, comprehensive and impartial investigation aimed at determining what transpired and establishing responsibility for the various actions alleged to have occurred.
The institution assured members of the university community that appropriate action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the incident has continued to attract attention on social media, with calls for both accountability in cases of alleged sexual misconduct and respect for due process in handling such complaints.
