The Lagos State University (LASU) has condemned the alleged assault of one of its students by a parent in a video that has gone viral on social media.
The university said the incident involved students of its College of Medicine, Ikeja, but occurred at a privately operated hostel outside the university’s campus.
The video shows a woman repeatedly hitting a younger girl as people at the scene appeal to her to stop.
The circumstances that led to the confrontation were not immediately established. However, a caption accompanying the video alleged that the woman had visited the hostel to confront and assault her daughter’s roommate.
In a statement issued on Friday, LASU’s Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, said the university had been notified of the incident.
She said the student who was allegedly assaulted had reported the matter to the police, adding that it had been taken up by the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
“Nevertheless, the University has initiated due disciplinary processes in line with its established rules and regulations,” the statement said.
The university management described the incident as unacceptable and said it “unequivocally condemns this act of violence in the strongest terms”.
It added that any form of assault, intimidation or harassment involving students, staff or visitors was contrary to the institution’s values, whether such conduct occurred on or outside university premises.
“Any form of assault, intimidation, or harassment of students, staff, or visitors, whether within or outside the University premises, is unacceptable and goes against the core values upon which this institution was founded,” LASU said.
The university also reminded its students of its expectation that they should be “worthy in character and learning”, consistent with its mission of producing graduates who excel academically and morally.
LASU urged students to act responsibly, avoid situations that could put their safety at risk and report concerns promptly to the appropriate authorities.
It also called on parents to work constructively with the university, respect institutional boundaries and encourage their children and wards to uphold discipline and integrity.
The institution reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of its students, saying it would continue to provide a secure and conducive environment for learning.
“LASU remains committed to safeguarding the well-being, safety, and academic success of every student, and will continue to provide a secure and conducive learning environment,” the statement added.
