Tension pervaded Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), Owo, Ondo State, last Friday following an incident in which a female student reportedly collapsed in an examination hall after being allegedly pushed by an invigilating lecturer.
The student, identified as Badmus Balikis from the Department of Mass Communication, was said to have fainted and was immediately rushed to the institution’s health center. Reports suggest that Balikis, who had recently given birth, was among a group of students allegedly pushed by the lecturer while he was organizing the exam hall.
A source who spoke anonymously said, “The lecturer was arranging the students for their exams when he forcefully pushed some of them. Balikis fell and collapsed. We later heard she gave birth less than a month ago. She was rushed to the health center but later referred to another hospital for further treatment.”
The incident reportedly led to further unrest, with claims that the lecturer involved was assaulted by students.
In response, the institution’s management issued a circular signed by the Administrative Assistant to the Rector, Gbenga Ademiluyi, confirming the incident and assuring the Polytechnic community of ongoing investigations.
The statement read: “The unfortunate incident of Friday, December 6, 2024, where a student allegedly sustained an injury and a lecturer was assaulted, is being given proper attention. The student is receiving medical care funded by the management, while administrative steps are underway to address the matter thoroughly.”
The management also warned against any form of misconduct by students, stating: “The institution’s regulations prohibit abuse, assault, or insult of any staff member under any circumstances. Students are reminded to use established channels to address grievances, as any act of self-help will attract serious penalties.”
To ensure order, the management announced enhanced security measures across the institution, especially for invigilators and staff, as the semester’s examinations continue.
,%20Owo,%20Ondo%20State,%20last%20Friday%20following%20an%20incident%20in%20which%20a%20female%20student%20reportedly%20collapsed%20in%20an%20examination%20hall%20after%20being%20allegedly%20pushed%20by%20an%20invigilating%20lecturer.){kind=link}