The University of Ibadan (UI) has said it is illegal to skate on major roads in defence of a lecturer who recently accosted a female skateboarder on campus.
The video of the incident went viral on Wednesday.
In the video, the academic, identified as Prof. Joseph Woods, demanded that the student release the skateboard for endangering her life and that of others.
“I can’t have any conversation with you. Give me (the skateboard) and meet me at the security office,” he yelled, pulling her by the shirt.
“I don’t want to rough-handle you. Give it to me. You’re disobeying. You’re irresponsible as far as I’m concerned.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the registrar and secretary to the university council, Olubunmi Faluyi, said the student was caught alongside another male skating along Oduduwa Road, which the official described as UI’s busiest street.
The registrar also denied claims that the student was assaulted by the professor.
“Professor Woods stopped the skaters and requested that they should be taken to the campus security office. At no time did he rough handle the lady. Posting the video on social media was a pure act of mischief,” Faluyi said.
“In general, skating on major roads is illegal and unsafe. Worldwide, it is only allowed on walkways and designated parks and not on highways.
“The action taken by the professor was to protect the lives of the skaters and other road users.
“The management, therefore, condemns the way the story is being posted on social media and the unkind comments.
“The management seizes this opportunity to reiterate that it is illegal to skate on major roads within the campus. Learner drivers are also not allowed on the major roads within the university campus during peak periods.”
