The Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, located in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State, has taken action following an incident of bullying that surfaced in a viral video.
According to Temitope Akinbisoye, the university’s public relations officer, two female students have been expelled in connection with the incident, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Akinbisoye addressed the incident captured in the viral video, which showed Miss Opemiposi Precious Bolaji, an 18-year-old 100L Mass Communication student, assaulting her colleague, Miss Gloria Ajayi, also a 100L Mass Communication student.
The altercation reportedly took place in a private hostel outside the university campus.
“The university authorities condemn in strong terms any form of violence or misconduct in our university or by any of our constituents,” Akinbisoye said.
“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.”
Following an emergency meeting held by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee on Monday, May 6, 2024, the university took decisive action.
Bolaji, who was found guilty of misconduct and breach of her matriculation oath for assaulting Ajayi with a stick and threatening bodily harm, was expelled with immediate effect.
Additionally, Osaro, identified as an accomplice for providing the stick, was also expelled.
However, the university exercised leniency with two other students involved in the incident.
Mistura Adejuwon and Precious Olanrewaju, who recorded and posted the video on social media, were cautioned and advised to report such incidents to the appropriate university authorities in the future.
Olawale Ajewole, who attempted to prevent further violence by locking Ajayi in a room, was exonerated.
Importantly, the university cleared Ajayi of any wrongdoing, stating that she did not retaliate or engage in violence despite being the victim in the viral video.
In response to the incident, the Nigeria Police Force has initiated an investigation.
In a statement released via its official channels on Tuesday, the police committed to uncovering the truth surrounding the matter.
