Investigation commences after OAU lecturer assaults student with a punch.

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has initiated an investigation into an altercation involving a male student and a lecturer at the university.

According to sources, the student, known as Gift, who is in his 200-level at the university, entered a lecture room where the lecturer, Dr. Ariyo, was teaching on Wednesday, mistakenly thinking it was his class. Upon realizing his mistake, Gift attempted to leave, but the lecturer called him back, leading to an argument that escalated into a physical altercation.

In a video of the incident circulated online, the student was seen struggling with a security official, with the lecturer instructing him to switch off his phone. The situation escalated, and the lecturer eventually punched the student while other students watched in shock.

The Students’ Union spokesperson, Elijah Omisore, condemned the incident and demanded prosecution for the lecturer. The union is calling for an open hearing, a public apology from Dr. Ariyo, and assurance that the victim and other students in the class will not face any victimization in the future.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, also condemned the lecturer’s actions and confirmed that an administrative probe into the matter has commenced. The Vice-Chancellor has taken steps to address the situation and gather information about the incident.