It was an unusual day for University of Benin and particularly the Faculty Of Physical Science as students and lecturers headlong face the task of 2019/2020 1st semester examinations. One could assert a successful exercise of the system. However, it was not until today, Saturday, 20th March, 2021, when a rancour aroused between a lecturer of Department of Mathematics and a final year student during MTH336 examination. The student was spotted by the lecturer holding an iPhone in the examination hall which was in 500 LT, Physical Science while the examination was ongoing.
An eye witness who spoke to our correspondent disclosed that upon confrontation, the lecturer angrily smashed the iPhone on the floor and ordered the student to leave the hall.
The scene was said to have attracted attention of security operatives and the Students Union Government as the victim cried for remedy.
Addressing the multitude of students who had converged at the scene, the SUG President, Comrade Egwu Lottana Benjamin reaffirmed that the union would not relent in making sure that the student’s phone is fixed and as well ensure that he doesn’t resit for the examination.
Efforts by our correspondent to speak with the lecturer proved abortive.
After a behind-closed-doors meeting with the SUG President, the head of mathematics department pleaded for maturity and calmness as he promised that his office would ensure that the affected student gets back his iPhone and as well will not resit for the exam.
Following the development today, there have been so many reactions across the faculty.
Nevertheless, what remains questions wagging on everyone’s lips is indeed whether the final year student would finally get a new iPhone from the department and whether he will or will not resit for the exam as well.
At this point, the students union government have vowed never to step down on a massive protest, should the department of mathematics renege on its promise of fair treatment for the victim.