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By Kelechi Ugo
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State on 14th March,2025 suspended a part-time lecturer,Mr. Okoroafor Ifeanyichukwu who allegedly assaulted a student.
A press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Polytechnic,Dr. Ikeh Anayo I. read, “the attention of the Management of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri has been drawn to a viral video in circulation on social media in which a student of the Department of Arts and Design Technology was assaulted. Management wishes to state that the person who assaulted the student is not a staff of the Polytechnic,but one of the facilitators that conduct practical assignments in the Technological Entrepreneurship Development Centre,TEDC”.
Dr. Anayo said that the Management had earlier undertook preliminary investigations and interfaced with the appropriate authorities where the action of the facilitator,Mr. Okoroafor Ifeanyichukwu was unequivocally condemned and thereafter, suspended him from the Institution until further notice.
According to him,staff and students are advised to remain calm,maintain decorum and continue their normal academic and administrative activities while further investigation would continue.
Similarly , the substantive Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede,Imo State,Dr. Basilia Igbokwe has challenged staff of the Institution to always uphold professionalism and ethical conduct in discharging duties.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant to the Rector on Media, Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah read,”the recent viral video depicting a part-time facilitator at the Technical and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (TEDC) attacking a Federal Polytechnic Nekede student is both profoundly disturbing and wholly unacceptable. As an institution steadfastly dedicated to excellence, discipline, and the cultivation of character, such conduct stands in stark opposition to the principles that anchor our academic community”.
“In this pivotal moment, the Rector declares with unwavering resolve: every member of our academic staff bears the solemn duty to exemplify the highest standards of decorum, empathy, compassion, and restraint in their engagement with students. Lecturers, instructors, and facilitators alike are called to embody the noble roles of mentor, guide, and shaper of purpose—not to wield their influence as aggressors. The authority entrusted to educators is a sacred charge, intended not for intimidation but for nurturing intellects, molding futures, and igniting inspiration.
We must resolutely reject any trace of impunity, overreach, or abuse of power if professionalism is to flourish. The immediate suspension of the facilitator, pending a thorough investigation, underscores an unequivocal truth: misconduct will find no harbor here. The institution is committed to pursuing justice with diligence and fortifying policies that preserve the dignity and welfare of every student”.
It further read,”Madam Rector’s 11-Point Agenda, a beacon of academic and ethical distinction, must remain unblemished by such lamentable incidents. Let all hands unite to safeguard the integrity of Federal Polytechnic Nekede as a bastion of learning and innovation.
This is a clarion call to every academic staff member: our mission is to elevate, not diminish; to lead, not coerce. We are summoned to stand as exemplars of virtue and wisdom for our mentees and protégés. This is the heartfelt plea of the Rector as we strive, with unwavering purpose, to deliver academic excellence of the highest order”.
