The University of Benin, Edo State, has formed a committee to investigate sexual harassment charges against a Professor in the Department of Philosophy.
This was stated in a circular sent by the investigating committee’s Secretary, B.D. Jonathan, and made available to journalists on Saturday.
Although the professor’s name was not revealed, the committee encouraged members of staff and students who had pertinent information or had witnessed any similar instances to come forward and share it.
The circular read, “The Vice-Chancellor has set up a committee to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment against a Professor from the Department of Philosophy.
“The committee, to actualise its mandate, is requesting all staff and students with relevant information or who have experienced any incident related to the allegation to please come forward and share as it will assist the committee in ensuring a thorough and fair investigation.
“Be rest assured that your identity will be protected, and all information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.”
It was gathered that the institution took the decision after an unnamed female graduate of the university called out the lecturer on social media.
The university alumnus also alleged that she (the graduate) suffered untold sexual harassment from the said professor during her undergraduate studies.
In August 2024, Abia State University, Uturu suspended Dr. Udochukwu Ndukwe, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, for three months due to sexual harassment claims against a female student.
In the last five years, 39 instructors in the country’s higher schools have been accused and sacked for sexual misconduct, according to media sources.
According to a 2018 poll performed by the World Bank Group’s Women, 70% of female graduates from tertiary institutions in the country experienced sexual harassment in school, with classmates and lecturers being the primary culprits.
Although the Senate enacted a bill in 2021 requiring 21 years imprisonment for randy academics, most of the lecturers indicted and found guilty after the bill was passed were simply sacked.