The assault reportedly took place on Wednesday at the official residence of the Acting HoD and has been widely condemned by members of the university’s academic community.
A former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Prof. Robert Dode, has allegedly attacked and physically assaulted the Acting Head of the Department of Psychology, Dr. Augustine Ejiroghene Ebiai (an Associate Professor), SaharaReporters has learnt.
The assault reportedly took place on Wednesday at the official residence of the Acting HoD and has been widely condemned by members of the university’s academic community.
Narrating the incident, a lecturer who witnessed the altercation but spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the assault occurred at about 7 a.m. on Wednesday at the HoD’s residence.
“What actually happened was that Prof. Robert Dode came to the campus residence of Dr. Ebiai around 7 a.m. and knocked on his door. When the HoD opened the door and saw it was Prof. Dode, he offered him a seat, but he declined,” the source said.
“Surprisingly, the next thing Dr. Ebiai heard was Prof. Dode issuing a stern warning to leave his wife, who is an academic staff member in the department, alone and never to disturb her again over result submission. The HoD attempted to explain that he only urged her to submit the results since she is the level adviser in the department, to enable processing of the results by Senate, but Prof. Dode refused to listen.”
“Suddenly, Prof. Dode began to ‘rain multiple blows’ (punch repeatedly) on the HoD’s face, threatening to deal with him as long as he remained in the university. Neighbours and onlookers quickly intervened to stop the assault. It was a shameful scene. The HoD later visited the university medical centre for checks but is in stable condition,” the source narrated.
Another eyewitness confirmed that the demand for results from Prof. Dode’s wife was the cause of the attack, adding that the HoD has reported the matter to the institution’s management, with a panel expected to be set up to investigate.
“Demanding results is part of routine academic administration. The HoD was acting within his official capacity to ensure compliance with academic timelines. It is unbecoming of a professor who served as a Deputy Vice Chancellor to engage in such conduct,” another source said.
“This unfortunate incident undermines academic professionalism and mutual respect. Further action will depend on the findings of the university’s disciplinary committee.”
The source continued, “The university administration has consistently reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and professional environment.
“The whole world awaits the outcome of this investigation, as the university should be a place for disciplined academics, not hooligans in academic robes. I call on the Vice Chancellor to take immediate action to forestall future occurrences and ensure justice, irrespective of status, within the extant disciplinary regulations.”
Confirming the incident to SaharaReporters, Dr. Ebiai explained that he had only demanded the submission of results from Prof. Dode’s wife, who serves as a level adviser in the department.
“Rather than submitting the results, she kept giving excuses that delayed processing. On Wednesday, around 7 a.m., her husband stormed my residence, knocked on my door, and when I came out, I offered him a seat but he declined. He immediately accused me of harassing his wife over result submission,” he narrated.
“Before I could explain, Prof. Dode attacked me, punching me repeatedly in the face. Neighbours and onlookers rescued me. Many people can testify to what happened. I have lodged an official complaint with the university management,” Ebiai added.
When contacted at the time of filing this report, Prof. Robert Dode denied the allegation of assault.