UNIVERSITY LECTURER SUSPENDED FOR POSTING ON FACEBOOK

A senior lecturer with the Kaduna State University, John Danfulani has been suspended for allegedly posting controversial speeches on Facebook by lashing out at the supporters of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), northern leaders, and President Muhammadu Buhari.

The University in a querry letter dated Wednesday, January 6, signed by Talatu A. Kuri, the school registrar said the lecturer should explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for a comment he posted on the social media.

 “The content of the publication you authored is divisive, injurious to the University and tantamount to hate speech capable of inciting particular group of students against staff and other students. This behaviour is unbecoming of a lecturer who is supposed to mould students’ character and impart learning,” the letter said.

But in Response to this Danfulani said

“It is a large world of dozens of platforms, most of which are yet to be in full practice in Nigeria. I have pages that upload my opinions on multifaceted local and international issues when my conscience and spirit direct me to do so.”

“Because of this, I do not know on which of the platforms the piece that generated this query was hoisted because your query did not contain such details,” he wrote. Adding:“My wall, updates and writings in the social media are all in my private capacity and not in my official capacity as a Lecturer with the University”.

The KSU was however, not pleased with the lecturer’s reply, hence, the school authority suspended him from the university.

Danfulani was informed of the school’s position on his status last week, via a letter delivered by the office of the registrar.

The letter partly reads: “We refer to our letter of query dated 5th January, 2016, requesting you to explain within 48 hours why disciplinary action will not be taken against you for gross misconduct and confirm that you failed to respond.

“In line with S15 (1) 4 of KASU staff conditions of service, the Vice Chancellor has suspended you from duty forthwith and will report the matter to council.”

Following his suspension, Danfulani deleted his Facebook page. Sources say the embattled lecturer is currently out of the country.

Lecturer John Danfulani made an affirmation to Premium Times, acknowledging that he authored the post.