The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has taken official steps to remove lecturers who have been accused of sexual harassment from their respective positions within the institution. This action was confirmed through a press release on Friday by Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, who serves as the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Special Duties to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone.
While not divulging the identities of the accused individuals, Ojukwu conveyed that an ongoing inquiry is in progress concerning alleged sexual harassment incidents involving specific lecturers. He maintained that there has been no protest on the university grounds, countering rumors suggesting otherwise.
The statement included the following remarks “It is important to state that there was no protest of any sort in the university.
“However, there is an ongoing investigation concerning alleged sexual harassment by some lecturers.
“The Vice Chancellor immediately removed the affected lecturers from their official positions and issued those affected strong warning letters in the affected departments.
“Unfortunately, the students who alleged sexual harassment were not forthcoming to testify before the investigation panel.
“However, the Vice Chancellor additionally summoned the affected departments to a meeting where he expressed the university’s displeasure and warned lecturers and staff to desist from all actions that will bring the name of the university to disrepute.
“He warned that the university management would severely punish erring staff, especially those who are molesting or sexually harassing our students.”
Dr. Ojukwu also mentioned that the Vice Chancellor had set up a dedicated telephone number for students to report instances of harassment by staff, particularly those related to sexual harassment. He assured students of the university’s renewed commitment to their protection and emphasized the university’s intent to handle all allegations of sexual harassment with confidentiality and utmost seriousness.
