The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has formed a committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against a Professor in the Department of Philosophy. This decision was announced in a circular issued by the committee’s Secretary, B.D. Jonathan, and shared with journalists on Saturday. While the Professor’s name has not been disclosed, the committee is encouraging staff and students with relevant information or experiences to come forward, assuring them that their identities will be protected.
The investigation was initiated after a former female student accused the Professor of severe sexual harassment during her undergraduate studies. The allegation was made public on social media, prompting the university to take immediate action.
This incident is part of a larger trend of sexual misconduct in Nigerian universities. Recent reports indicate that over the past five years, at least 39 lecturers across the country have been indicted and dismissed for similar offenses. Despite the Senate passing a bill in 2021 mandating 21 years imprisonment for such crimes, many guilty lecturers have only faced dismissal.