By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Management of Paul University, Awka, has identified and indefinitely suspended a member of its staff, Ven. Cornelius C. Eze, following allegations of serious misconduct arising from a viral incident in which the staff member was allegedly seen half-naked in a maize farm after he allegedly jumped through a window to evade attack from angry students over alleged sexual harassment.
The University announced the suspension in a press statement issued on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, Rev’d Godsplan Onukwufor, stating that the decision was taken pending the outcome of ongoing internal disciplinary proceedings and investigations by relevant law enforcement authorities.
The development comes barely a day after the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, debunked reports on social media alleging that the man seen in the now-viral video was a lecturer in the institution. UNIZIK had, on Thursday, clarified that the incident never occurred within its campus, neither was the man involved a member of its staff.
However, Paul University has now confirmed that the individual in the video is Ven. Cornelius C. Eze, a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences of the institution.
According to the statement, the allegations were brought to the attention of the University Management on Tuesday, July 14, prompting an immediate intervention by the authorities.
The University explained that, in order to prevent a breakdown of law and order following heightened tension among students over the incident, the Management invited the appropriate security agency to take over the matter.
“As a preliminary administrative measure and without prejudice to the outcome of ongoing investigations, the University Management has placed the staff on indefinite suspension pending the conclusion of both the internal disciplinary process and any investigations being conducted by the appropriate law enforcement authorities,” the statement partly read.
The Management reiterated that Paul University, as a faith-based institution, is founded on the principles of integrity, discipline, moral uprightness and respect for the dignity of every individual.
It stressed that the institution has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, immoral behaviour, abuse of office or any conduct capable of endangering the safety, dignity and welfare of students and staff.
The statement added that any member of staff or student found culpable of violating the university’s regulations or the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would face appropriate sanctions in line with due process.
The University also disclosed that arrangements were being made to provide counselling and other psychological support for the student or students concerned, as well as other members of the university community who might have been affected by the incident.
While appealing to members of the public to avoid speculation and the spread of misinformation capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigations, the Management assured parents, guardians, students and other stakeholders of its commitment to ensuring that justice is served fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law.
It further reaffirmed its resolve to maintain a safe, secure and morally sound learning environment where the dignity and welfare of every member of the university community are protected.
Watch the video below:
