The authorities of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has suspended the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities of the institution, Dr Monday Igbafen.
Igbafen, the university said, was suspended over alleged gross misconduct bordering on sexual harassment.
The suspension order was contained in the university’s News Bulletin dated February 13 and signed by the Deputy Registrar Information and Public Relations Officer, Edward Aihevba, titled, “Suspension of Dr M.L. Igbafen, associate professor in the Department of Philosophy.”
The bulletin partly read, “The university community is hereby informed that Dr M. L. Igbafen, an associate professor in the Department of Philosophy, has been suspended from duty following his arraignment before the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee on allegations of gross misconduct bordering on sexual harassment and threats of marks for sex.
“He had earlier been accused of this offence and an investigative panel set up, which found him culpable and indicted. Recently, there was a petition by the family of the female student involved asking that Dr M. L. Igbafen be brought to book, failing which the university management would be reported to the ICPC for failure to act.
“After receiving the petition, the university management asked for his comments. His response was found unsatisfactory. He was therefore arraigned before the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee (SSDC). As due process demands, he has been suspended from the university, pending the determination of the allegation levelled against him.
“He is therefore not allowed to participate or be involved in any university duties, activities or functions, except those related to Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee during the period of his suspension.
But embattled ASUU chairman, however, denied the allegation, saying the allegation was an attempt to cow him.
