Shame as varsity suspends lecturer over alleged sexual harassment

…Gender Equality advocates wade in

BY ADA DIKE

The suspension of a lecturer for allegedly sexually harassing a female student has received accolades from different Nigerians.

The Governing Authorities of Abia state University (ABSU), Uturu, recently suspended a lecturer of Mass communication Department, Dr Udochukwu Ndukwe, for sexually harassing a female student of the school.

This was contained in a letter signed by the registrar of the school, Dr Acho Elendu.

Sunday Times gathered that the suspension will last for three months the period the issue will be investigated.

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A video clip that circulated recently on social media revealed that Ndukwe was caught in a hotel room in Umuahia, the State ‘s capital,

where he was allegedly set up by a final-year female student who might have been his victim in the past.

The video revealed where Ndukwe was on his knees, begging not to be exposed. He had bruises and his lip was swollen.

Dated July 30, 2024, the letter further disclosed that the suspension is slated for three (3) months in the first instance, with half salary pending the conclusion of the investigation panel already set up to look into the matter.

“Following the disturbing online video clip involving you, trending in the 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’s condition of service, pending the conclusion of investigation, for which a panel has been set up,” the school authority stated in the letter.

Reacting to the news about Ndukwe’s suspension, an advocate for Gender Equality and a Safe Society for Women and Girls, Chisara Agoha, hailed Ndukwe ‘s suspension and tasked schools authorities to do all they can to curb sexual exploitation of female students. “The silence of many Nigerian universities is not okay,” she warned.

She wrote in a social media: “I saw the video of a lecturer (Udochukwu Ndukwe) at Abia State University who was beaten up in a hotel for sexually harassing a student. He was naked.

“It appalls me that the sexual harassment of female students has gone unchecked for many years of the school’s existence. The same thing was the order of the day when I was in school.

“A few weeks ago, one of the girls I sponsor her education at the University of Port Harcourt (I believe it has a different name now) sent me her results, which were not good. I expressed my displeasure and asked the reason her result was poor. She told me she missed her tests because she resumed school late which was true.

“I wanted to ask if she went to the lecturers for makeup tests but quickly stopped myself. I do not want to be one of those people abroad who lose touch with reality at home. The reality at home is that the offices of lecturers are not safe for female students,” Agoha said.

She recalled her own experience by saying that: “In 2011, I went to the office of a professor (God, do not rest his soul) to get clarification on a feedback he wrote on my paper. He told me to wait as he was busy with the man repairing his air conditioner. When he was done, he asked me to show him the comment and next I saw was his hand cupping my breast. I froze and afterwards burst into tears. I asked him if I could leave, and he said yes. A classmate of mine knew about this. Note, I was among the top five in his class. Imagine if I went to ask for a makeup test to increase my score.

“So, I could not ask my beneficiary if she went to her lecturers to explain she missed her tests because her admission came late. I do not want her to experience sexual harassment.

“I taught this spring. Some of my students had various problems. To those who missed their tests, I gave a makeup test. Some, I let them retake the exams they did poorly with a good reason. The main goal a professor is to ensure your students do well. This is the opposite in many Nigerian universities.”

Agoha appealed to the Nigerian government and school governments ensure that female students are not sexually harassed.