UNIBEN Probes S*xual Harassment Allegations Against Professor

The University of Benin, Edo State, has established a committee to investigate allegations of s*xual harassment involving a professor from the Department of Philosophy.

This was contained in a circular issued by the investigation committee’s Secretary, B. D. Jonathan, and made available to journalists on Saturday.

Although the professor’s name was not disclosed, the committee urged members of staff and students with relevant information or who have experienced any related incidents to come forward and share it.

The circular read, “The Vice-Chancellor has set up a committee to investigate the allegations of s*xual 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 s*xual harassment from the said professor during her undergraduate studies.

In early August 2024, the Abia State University, Uturu, suspended a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Udochukwu Ndukwe, for three months following allegations of s*xual harassment against a female student.

Analysis of media reports by The PUNCH showed that no fewer than 39 lecturers in the nation’s tertiary institutions had been indicted and dismissed over s*xual misconduct in the past five years,

According to a 2018 survey conducted by the World Bank Group’s Women, 70 per cent of female graduates from tertiary institutions in the country were s*xually harassed in school, with the main perpetrators being classmates and lecturers.

Although the Senate had, in 2021, passed a bill stipulating 21 years imprisonment for randy lecturers, The PUNCH reports that most of the lecturers indicted and found guilty after the bill was passed were simply sacked.