Two students of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, have been scheduled to face a disciplinary panel over alleged immoral behavior during their graduation ceremony.
The affected students, according to City & Crime’s findings, are Sulyman Tawakaltu and Mohammed AbdulSalam, both from the agricultural department.
In a viral image, AbdulSalam was seen gr@bbing Tawakaltu’s br£asts during the sign-out ceremony for final-year students of the college last week.
According to an internal memo on the incident seen by our correspondent, the college attributed its decision to “the display of imm0ral behavior by two students of the institution.”
The college mandated the Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC) to hold the two students accountable to serve as a deterrent to others.
Speaking on the matter on Sunday, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Hajia Habitat Zubair, mentioned that the school has initiated an investigation into the matter but has not made any formal pronouncement on it.
Zubair emphasized that the College of Education does not condone such inappropriate behavior and strives to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all its students. The incident has raised concerns among the college community, as well as the general public, regarding the prevalence of sexual harassment on educational campuses.
The disciplinary panel, consisting of senior staff members, experts in gender issues, and legal representatives, is set to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. They will review the available evidence, interview witnesses, and hear statements from both the accused and the victim, Tawakaltu. The committee aims to ascertain the full extent of the incident and determine the appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken.
The college administration has expressed its commitment to ensuring justice and fairness throughout the investigation process. They have assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in addressing this serious matter. The institution recognizes the importance of taking a strong stance against any form of harassment, as it not only violates the rights of individuals but also undermines the principles of dignity, respect, and equality.
Several students and faculty members have expressed their shock and disappointment over the incident. They stress the need for comprehensive awareness and education programs to be implemented within the college to promote a more inclusive and respectful atmosphere. These initiatives should emphasize the importance of consent, bystander intervention, and respectful behavior.
In response to the incident, prominent student organizations and women’s rights groups have called for swift and decisive action. They are urging the college administration to impose appropriate sanctions on the perpetrators and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. These organizations believe that providing support to the victim is crucial and that steps should be taken to ensure the healing and well-being of all individuals affected by such incidents.
As the disciplinary panel continues its investigation, the public awaits its findings and the subsequent actions taken by the college. It is hoped that this incident will serve as a wake-up call to educational institutions across the country, prompting them to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students and to establish mechanisms that foster a respectful and conducive learning environment for all.
