The management of the University of Benin, Edo State, has set up a committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against a Professor in 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 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 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 sexual 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 sexual 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 sexually 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.

PUNCH