The Lagos State University (LASU) has broken its silence after a disturbing video showing a woman repeatedly assaulting a female student sparked outrage online.
The university condemned the incident, identifying the victim as one of its students from the College of Medicine, Ikeja.
The confrontation, however, did not take place on LASU’s campus but at a private hostel located outside the university premises.
In the widely circulated video, the woman is seen raining blows on the younger girl despite pleas from people around her to stop. The reason for the confrontation was not immediately established.
A caption accompanying the video alleged that the woman had gone to the hostel to confront her daughter’s roommate before the situation reportedly turned violent.
LASU, in a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Deputy Registrar and Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, said it was aware of the incident.
According to the university, the assaulted student had reported the matter to the police, with law enforcement authorities already addressing the case.
But LASU said it was not leaving the matter entirely in the hands of the police.
The university disclosed that it had also commenced its own disciplinary process in accordance with its rules and regulations.
“Nevertheless, the University has initiated due disciplinary processes in line with its established rules and regulations,” the statement said.
LASU described the assault as unacceptable, warning that violence, intimidation and harassment had no place in the university community.
It stressed that the safety and welfare of students remained a priority, adding that such conduct violated the values upon which the institution was founded.
The university also reminded its students of its longstanding emphasis on being “worthy in character and learning,” urging them to act responsibly and promptly report situations that could threaten their safety.
Parents and guardians were equally urged to engage with the university through appropriate channels, respect institutional boundaries and encourage their wards to maintain discipline and integrity.
LASU further assured students and their families that it remained committed to providing a safe and conducive environment for learning.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over student safety and the handling of disputes involving students in off-campus accommodation, where universities often have limited direct control over what happens on the premises.
LASU said it would continue to safeguard the well-being, safety and academic progress of its students while ensuring that appropriate measures were taken over the latest incident.
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