The Benue State University Assault
The recent video showing a lecturer, Mr. Ichor Tersagh, physically assaulting a student at Benue State University (BSU) is not just a disturbing isolated incident, but a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing Nigeria’s higher education system.
This shocking display of violence by an educator against a student he’s meant to guide and nurture is abhorrent on multiple levels. It represents a gross abuse of power, a violation of professional ethics, and a complete disregard for human dignity. That such an incident could occur in an institution of higher learning is deeply troubling and raises serious questions about the state of our educational institutions.
However, to view this incident in isolation would be a mistake. It is, in fact, symptomatic of deeper, more pervasive issues within Nigeria’s educational system:
- Power Dynamics: The extreme power imbalance between lecturers and students in Nigerian universities often leads to abuse. Students, fearing repercussions, may feel powerless to speak up against mistreatment.
- Lack of Accountability: The fact that a lecturer felt emboldened enough to physically assault a student in full view of others suggests a lack of robust accountability mechanisms within the university system.
- Poor Infrastructure and Planning: The incident reportedly arose from a scheduling conflict, with two classes assigned to the same venue. This points to inadequate infrastructure and poor administrative planning, common issues in many Nigerian universities.
- Stress and Frustration: While this in no way excuses the lecturer’s actions, the high-stress environment in underfunded and overcrowded universities can contribute to such outbursts.
- Cultural Acceptance of Corporal Punishment: Despite being illegal in many contexts, physical punishment is still culturally accepted in some parts of Nigeria, potentially normalizing such behavior even in higher education settings.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call for BSU and indeed all Nigerian universities. It necessitates immediate action on several fronts:
- The university must conduct a thorough, transparent investigation and take appropriate disciplinary action against Mr. Tersagh.
- BSU should review and strengthen its policies on professional conduct, student rights, and grievance procedures.
- There’s a need for comprehensive training programs for faculty on professional ethics, conflict resolution, and modern pedagogical approaches.
- The university administration must address the infrastructural and scheduling issues that contributed to this incident.
- On a national level, there’s a need for increased funding and resources for higher education to alleviate some of the systemic pressures that can lead to such incidents.
Moreover, this incident highlights the crucial role of technology and social media in exposing such abuses. Without the video evidence, this assault might have gone unnoticed or been easily dismissed. It underscores the importance of empowering students to document and report misconduct safely.
In conclusion, while the actions of Mr. Tersagh are inexcusable and demand severe consequences, we must not lose sight of the broader issues this incident reveals. Benue State University Assault is a clarion call for comprehensive reform in Nigeria’s higher education system. Only by addressing these systemic issues can we hope to create safe, respectful, and productive learning environments for all students.
As stakeholders in Nigeria’s future, we must demand better from our educational institutions. Our students deserve nothing less than respectful, professional, and nurturing academic environments where they can learn, grow, and reach their full potential without fear of abuse or humiliation.
Reference
Video Shows Nigeria’s Benue State University Lecturer Physically Assaulting Student Who ‘Accidentally Entered His Class’ published in saharareporters