Student Suspended With “Speech And Hearing Challenges” Files N20m Lawsuit Against University

A female student who was expelled by the Rivers State
University of Science and Technology, in 2015, for having “speech and hearing
challenges” has sued the institution for damages to the tune of N20 million.

Jane Ottah, 28,‎ said the damages were for the trauma,
embarrassment, and emotional distress caused by her expulsion.

In court papers filed at the Rivers State High Court and
seen by Premium Times, Ms. Ottah also demanded that the university provide the
necessary support services and facilities to aid her learning. She further
demanded a perpetual injunction restraining the university or their agents from
discriminating against her in any way.

The court has fixed February 19 for hearing. Ms. Ottah, a
former student at the Department of Educational Foundation at the university,
was expelled on January 30, 2015, over claims that she had speech and hearing
challenges.

“I am directed to state that during
your recent medical examination in the Health Services Department, it was
observed that you are medically challenged and have hearing and speech
difficulties,” the university stated in a letter to Ms. Ottah signed by C.M
Ewhorlu, Principal Assistant Registrar (Senate).

“You are therefore advised to hand
over all University property(ies) in your possession to your Head of Department
and thereafter leave the campus.”

Ms. Ottah said her ambition of reaching the “highest point
possible academically” notwithstanding her disability was frustrated by the
university.‎

“The Applicant, notwithstanding her
disability (hearing impairment) has a burning desire for education – a desire
she pursued such that she acquired primary education, secondary education where
she passed eight subjects at a sitting,” Ms. Ottah said in a court affidavit.