The administration of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI) has expelled two students for assaulting a female peer, an incident that was captured in a widely circulated video.
The video, which appeared on various social media platforms, showed Miss Opemiposi Precious Bolaji, an 18-year-old first-year Mass Communication student, attacking her classmate, Miss Gloria Ajayi, also a first-year Mass Communication student, in a private hostel off the university campus.
According to a statement from the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Temitope Akinbisoye, the students involved in the incident were summoned on Monday and subsequently received the appropriate disciplinary actions.
”In accordance with our institution’s policies and extant regulations, the students who were captured in the viral video appeared before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee at its emergency meeting held on Monday, May 6, 2024, for interrogations and appropriate recommendations, the report of which has been submitted to the University authorities.”
”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.”
Akinbisoye also revealed that the university heavily frowned on such actions
” Miss Opemiposi Precious BOLAJI with Matriculation No. 10232, a 100L Mass Communication student who was beating her colleague with a stick and threatening to inflict bodily harm on her for allegedly destroying her 3-year old love affair with her boyfriend was found guilty of misconduct and flagrant breach of her matriculation oath and consequently EXPELLED with immediate effect.”
” Miss Genesis OSARO, a 100L Mass Communication student with Matriculation No. 10257, who provided the stick with which Gloria AJAYI was beaten, was found guilty of misconduct (as an accomplice) and flagrant breach of her Matriculation oath and consequently EXPELLED with immediate effect.”
” Miss Gloria AJAYI, a 100L Mass Communication student with Matriculation No. 10295, who was seen being beaten in the viral video but did not retaliate or engage in fisticuffs with her tormentors, was EXONERATED.”
”The duo of Miss Mistura Eniola ADEJUWON with Matriculation No. 10435 and Miss Precious Oluwapelumi OLANREWAJU with Matriculation No. 11126, who gleefully recorded the video and posted on social media were WARNED and advised to always report such incident to the Directorate of Students’ Affairs and the Security Unit of the University rather than escalating it on social media.”
”Mr. Olawale AJEWOLE, a 200L Mass Communication student with Matriculation No. 6021 was EXONERATED for making efforts to lock Miss Gloria AJAYI inside a room to prevent further beating.”
The University authorities also said it would want to” 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.”
Ekiti State Command Begin Discreet Investigation
In response to the viral video, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, mni, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
A statement from the Ekiti State Command Police Public Relations Office, DSP Abutu Sunday, Anipr, indicated that the Commissioner has instructed the Ikere Area Commander to collaborate with the management of the institution to ensure that the perpetrator is identified, investigated, and held accountable for her actions under the law.
‘ The Command describes the act as inhumane and unacceptable,” the statement also read
”Meanwhile, members of the public are implored to be calm and avoid taking laws into their hands as necessary action is underway.”