Paul University, Awka, has suspended a staff member, Ven. Cornelius C. Eze, indefinitely following allegations of serious misconduct arising from a viral incident that has generated widespread public attention.
The institution announced the decision in a statement released on Friday by its Public Relations Officer, Rev’d Godsplan Onukwufor. According to the university, the suspension will remain in place while both its internal disciplinary procedures and investigations by law enforcement agencies continue.
The announcement came a day after Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, denied social media reports linking the incident to the institution. UNIZIK had clarified that the individual captured in the viral video was neither its lecturer nor did the incident happen on its campus.
Paul University, however, identified the staff member in the video as Ven. Cornelius C. Eze, a Practical Biology Technologist in the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences.
The university said it became aware of the allegations on Tuesday, July 14, and immediately activated its internal response to the matter.
According to the statement, security agencies were invited after tensions among students increased, a step the management said was necessary to maintain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order on campus.
Announcing the disciplinary action, the university stated:
“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 institution stressed that it remains committed to promoting integrity, discipline, moral values and respect for the dignity of every individual as a faith-based university.
It also maintained that it has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, abuse of office, immoral conduct or any behaviour capable of endangering the safety, dignity or wellbeing of members of the university community.
The statement added that any staff member or student found guilty of violating the university’s regulations or the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would face appropriate disciplinary measures through due process.
The management also disclosed plans to provide counselling and psychological support for the affected student or students, as well as other members of the university community who may have been impacted by the incident.
Paul University urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information or engaging in speculation while investigations remain ongoing. It assured parents, students and other stakeholders that the matter would be handled fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, secure and morally sound learning environment where the rights, dignity and welfare of every member of its academic community are protected.
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