The Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, suspended a facilitator, Mr. Okoroafor Ifeanyichukwu, from work on Friday following a viral video of him harassing a male student.
The suspension notice, relayed in a letter with reference FPN/TEDC/80/1 and dated March 14th, 2025, highlighted, “You are hereby suspended from duty as a facilitator in the Technical and Entrepreneurship Development Centre pending the outcome of investigation into the incident that occurred yesterday 13th March, 2025 at the site of your entrepreneurship training.”
The letter, assented by the Director of TEDC, Dr. Okoye P.C., was copied to the Rector, Dean of Student Affairs, and the Student Union Government of the institution.
A video circulated late Thursday showing the suspended facilitator slapping a male student, Chidera, and then kicking him, making him to fall heavily onto a cemented walkway, damaging his phone. The facilitator then moved on.
The video caused greater reaction.
It was discovered that the lecturer, Okoroafor, sent a reconciliatory message to Chidera, which read: “Dear Chidera, LETTER OF APOLOGY TO MR CHIDERA. I am writing to offer my sincerest apologies for my behavior towards you. I am deeply sorry for the way I treated you, and I realize that my actions were unacceptable and hurtful. As your teacher, I should have provided a safe and supportive learning environment, but instead, I bullied and intimidated you.
“My behavior was not only unprofessional, but it also caused you harm and distress. I want you to know that I take full responsibility for my actions, and I am truly sorry for the pain and suffering I caused you. I understand that my apology cannot erase the past, but I hope it can be a step towards healing and moving forward.
“Please know that I am committed to changing my behavior and ensuring that all my students feel safe, respected, and supported in the classroom. I will do everything in my power to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. If you are willing, I would like to meet with you to discuss how I can make amends and support you in any way possible. Please let me know if this is something you would be open to, and we can arrange a time and place that works for you. Once again, I offer my sincerest apologies for my behavior. You deserved better from me, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Sincerely, Ifeanyichukwu.”
Netizens displayed the suspension letter on social media, giving kudos to the institution’s urgent action, though questions based on lack of fair hearing was asked.
