ABSU suspends lecturer over alleged sexual harassment

The governing authorities of Abia State University (ABSU) in Uturu have suspended Dr. Udochukwu Ndukwe, a lecturer in the Mass Communication department for sexually harassing a female university student.

The suspension is expected to last many months during which the matter will be investigated.

A letter signed by the school’s registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, on July 30, 2024, and obtained by our reporter stated that Ndukwe would be investigated and would lose half of his pay in accordance with the University Conditions of Service pending the conclusion of the investigation, for which a panel has been set up.

The lecturer was caught in a hotel room in Umuahia in a distressing video clip that has been spreading on social media.

The suspension, which is for three (3) months in the first instance, with half salary, will be pending the conclusion of the investigation panel already set up to look into the matter.

The suspension letter partly reads. “Following the disturbing online video clip involving you, trending on social media, which has brought embarrassment to Abia State University, the Vice-chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Authorities, has approved your immediate suspension from duty for three (3) months in the first instance, with half salary, in line with the University conditions of service, pending the conclusion of the investigation, for which a panel has been set up.”

The suspended letter further described the lecturer’s actions as an “embarrassment and disgrace to himself”.

It was further gathered that the lecturer has been, from time to time, accused of sexually harassing, intimidating and extorting female students of the department until he was allegedly set up by a final-year female student, who has been his victim in the past.