The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced the suspension of alleged sex-for-grades lecturer, Dr Boniface Igbeneghu.
The university, in a statement signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar (Communication Unit), Mrs. Taiwo Oloyede, also barred Igbeneghu from campus academic areas and announced the closure of the Staff Club โcold roomโ.
The statement reads: โThe University of Lagos Management today suspended Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu of the Department of European Languages and Integrated Studies, Faculty of Arts who was caught in a sting operation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) titled โSex for Grades.
โThe trending video chronicled cases of sexual harassment of female students by some lecturers in some West African Universities, including University of Lagos.
โManagement at its emergency meeting of October 7, 2019 suspended Dr. Igbeneghu from work immediately and barred him from the University academic areas while the suspension subsists unless invited by a Panel constituted by the University to investigate the matter.
โIn addition to this, the University Management has ordered the shutdown of the Staff Club โCold Roomโ mentioned in the documentary for further investigation. The so-called โCold Roomโ is a Functions Room that may have been abused because this is a deviation from the purpose for which it was created (meetings, seminars, events, etc.)
โThe university assures members of the public that any other lecturer mentioned in the full version of the operation which is to be aired later today, will also be suspended to ensure a proper investigation is carried out.
โThe University is embarrassed and dissociates itself totally from this act(s) and any inappropriate behaviour of staff with female students and vice versa. The University has a well-articulated โPolicy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual and Romantic Relationshipsโ.
It added: โA copy of the University Sexual Harassment Policy was distributed to all members of staff and can also be obtained on the University website: โVarious committees over time have been set up to investigate reports received and those found guilty/culpable were sanctioned.
โTo ensure our students are aware of the various opportunities for reporting any form of sexual harassment or misconduct towards them, the University organises an orientation programme for all new entrants sensitising them of the Universityโs zero-tolerance policy and acquainting them with the mechanisms for reporting.
โThe University Counselling Centre, Medical Centre and Division of Studentsโ Affairs amongst other organs have been well positioned to address complaints by students. These organs have cut off the bureaucracy limiting the effectiveness of the Policy, by the direct reporting system of these Centres to the Vice Chancellor.
โThe University encourages students who have evidence to come forward. They are assured of their anonymity and safety.
โAs a reputable Institution and one of the foremost Universities in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa, we are highly embarrassed by these allegations and we will do all that is necessary to ensure that this menace is checked in our institution.
โThe University of Lagos is committed to providing conducive and safe learning environment where future leaders are trained to take responsibilities for their action.โ
