Obafemi Awolowo University Lecturer Faces Backlash After Assaulting Student Over Mobile Phone Dispute
OAU Lecturer Under Fire for Assaulting Student Over Mobile Phone Dispute
Faith Orji 
In a shocking incident that has raised concerns over the conduct of university staff, a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is facing severe backlash for allegedly assaulting a student over a mobile phone disagreement. The incident, captured in a viral video, has sparked outrage and calls for justice.
The victim, identified as Gift, a 200-level physics student, was reportedly harassed and physically assaulted by Dr. K.F. Ariyo, a lecturer at OAU. The altercation began when Gift mistakenly entered Dr. Ariyo's class, thinking it was one of his own lectures. Upon realizing his error, Gift attempted to leave the classroom, but he was reportedly called back and held by a security officer without being informed of his offense.
A video shared on social media captured the lecturer physically assaulting Gift, with punches and aggressive actions aimed at forcing the student to switch off his mobile phone as per the lecturer's instruction.
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The Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA) issued a statement on November 8, 2023, describing Dr. Ariyo as a serial abuser who had allegedly assaulted multiple students. ANSA called on the university's student union government to investigate the incident and take action to ensure that students are protected from such "persistent inhuman treatments" at the hands of lecturers.
In their statement, ANSA stated, "The physical attack on Gift, a part 2 Physics student by Dr. K.F. Ariyo is shocking but not surprising as cases of physical assault are fast becoming a norm on the campus. Gift walked into Dr. Ariyo's class by accident while looking for the venue of his own lecture and was accosted in the most belligerent form by the lecturer."
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students at OAU and the conduct of university staff. Students and activists are demanding #Justice4Gift, urging the university to take decisive action against Dr. Ariyo.
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The OAU Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the incident and emphasized that it does not reflect the core values and ideology of the institution. He stated that the university management had initiated an investigation into the matter and would take appropriate action.
"The Vice-Chancellor is not happy about the development. The video that is trending is not in our character. It does not reflect anything about OAU. We are taking steps about that video, and we apologize to those whose credibilities are assaulted by that video," Olanrewaju said.
