Tension engulfed the atmosphere at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Ondo State, last Friday when a female student reportedly collapsed after allegedly being pushed by an invigilator in the examination hall.
The student, identified as Badmus Balikis from the Department of Mass Communication, was said to have collapsed and was rushed to the School Health Centre after the incident.
According to an anonymous source, “The lecturer was arranging the students as they prepared for the exams. He forcefully pushed some of them, and Balikis, who was among those pushed, fell down.
“We heard that she gave birth not up to a month ago. After she collapsed in the exam hall, she was rushed to the Health Centre and, after some hours, was referred to another hospital,” the source said.
In response to the incident, the Polytechnic’s Management confirmed in a circular that the lecturer involved was assaulted during the incident, while the student sustained injuries.
The circular, signed by the Administrative Assistant to the Rector, Gbenga Ademiluyi, stated:
“The very unfortunate incident of Friday, 6th December 2024, in which a student allegedly sustained injuries while a lecturer was assaulted, is receiving appropriate attention. While the student in question is receiving proper medical attention, which is being paid for by Management, appropriate administrative steps are being taken to address the situation comprehensively.
“As permitted by extant practice and to ensure fairness, Management has decided to subject the entire situation to a thorough investigation, with the sole aim of identifying and addressing any inappropriate conduct.
“All students are reminded that the Institution’s regulations, which categorise as gross misconduct any abuse, assault, insult, or rudeness towards staff under any circumstances, remain in force with full implications for any violations. If grievances arise, the proper procedure is to utilise the Institution’s grievance mechanisms to register complaints.
“The option of self-help is entirely unacceptable and will attract severe penalties.
“In light of this unfortunate development, Management has decided to enhance security within the Institution. Invigilators, as well as all other members of the Polytechnic community, are assured of adequate security as the current semester examinations continue.”
Peoplesmind
