Ekiti university expels students over viral bullying video

The management of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, have expelled two female students over the bullying of a colleague in a viral video.

Temitope Akinbisoye, the university’s Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Tuesday said that a disturbing viral video on social media platforms showed “One Miss Opemiposi Precious Bolaji, an 18-year-old 100L Mass Communication student beating her colleague identified as Miss Gloria Ajayi, a 100L Mass Communication student, 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. 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 statement partly reads.

Akinbisoye futher said, “In accordance with our institution’s policies and extant regulations, the affected students appeared before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee at its emergency meeting held on Monday, May 6, 2024.”

He said that having considered the report and recommendations of the SDC, the University authorities had expelled Bolaji, “who was beating her colleague with a stick and threatening to inflict bodily harm on her having found her guilty of misconduct and flagrant breach of her matriculation oath.”

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He added that Mr Olawale Ajewole, a 200L Mass Communication student, “was exonerated for making efforts to lock Miss Ajayi inside a room to prevent further beating.”

According to him, the committee and the university authorities exonerated Miss Ajayi, “who was seen being beaten in the viral video but did not retaliate or engage in fisticuffs with her tormentors.”

The PRO, who reiterated BOUESTI’s zero tolerance for all forms of indiscipline, said the institution was committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the university community.

He said, “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.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Adeniran Akinwale, had directed the Ikere Area Commander to liaise with BOUESTI management and “ensure the perpetrator is identified, investigated and made to face the legal consequence(s) of her barbaric action.”

The Commissioner, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Sunday Abutu, implored members of the public to be calm and avoid taking laws into their hands as necessary action is underway.

He stated, “The State Police Command is not unaware of a video circulating currently on social media where a female student of BOUESTI was seen assaulting and molesting her fellow female student. The Command describes the act as inhumane and unacceptable.”