Liberia: UMU Administration Expels Five Students for Sharing Nude Video on Social Media

Monrovia – The administration of the United Methodist University (UMU) on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, expelled five of its students involved in a nude video saga that has gone viral on the social media.

Report by J. H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]

Investigation conducted by the Liberia National Police revealed ta student a secret nude recording of herself at home with her cell phone of which one of her friends, Anita Woods, had access to, and allegedly released the video via social media when confusion ensued between them on relationship matter.

In relation to the nude video saga, on October 22, 2018, police charged four students with the crime of dissemination of obscene materials.

Anita Wood who is the prime suspect was released on bail while the remaining three students were taken due to their inability to secure on bond.

Addressing the news conference at the UMU campus on Ashman Street, the interim president of the University Dr. Albert B. Coleman said the victim of the nude video including four of the students who have been sharing the video have been expelled with immediate effect.

“The United Methodist University wishes to inform the public that with immediate effect, Garmai pewu, Stephanie Ajavon, Charlotte Dixon, Anita Woods, and Deddeh Yarsiah are expelled for violating count 18 in the student’s handbook of the university,” he said. 

Count 18 of the student handbook states that no student, whether male or female, shall sexually harass another student. This includes unwanted gesture, touching or verbal. Also, students are advised not to expose sexual areas to fellow students. 

According to Dr. Coleman, the unwholesome acts of the five students have brought a serious embarrassment to the university.

“The administration of the UMU is deeply troubled and shocked by the said distasteful event, particularly as a Christian institution owned by the United Methodist Church,” UMU Interim President said.

Dr. Coleman further stressed that the university has built a solid reputation of integrity over the years.

He disclosed that they have maintained a zero tolerance for indecent dress code, profane language in its facility, adding that the production and release of a nude video that has been circulating on the social media cannot be tolerated.

“The UMU administration maintains that it cannot and will never be associated with a conduct of individuals within its ranks that are intended to rob the name of the university in the mud, after committing so much energy and time to build a reputation that has given it an enviable image as a premier and outstanding tertiary institution in Liberia,” Dr. Coleman said. 

“The university is, therefore, advising all students to govern themselves accordingly to ensure good moral character,” he warned.