A Nigerian lecturer, Dr. Nafiu Lukman Abiodun has been relieved of his appointment at Kabale University in the Western Region of Uganda.
Nafiu Abiodun, the Head Department of Economics and Statistics in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences was sacked over his alleged involvement in the sexual harassment of female students.
A Ugandan newspaper, ‘Kampala Dispatch’ reported on Tuesday that Abiodun demanded sex from female students and made those who refused his demands have been forced to retake classes.
After investigations, the university board found Abiodun guilty of sexual harassment and asked him to leave the institution.
According to the news report, the sack was handed down to him via a letter. Kampala Dispatch’ also confirmed this from the varsity Chancellor, Jay Constance Kwesiga.
The letter partly read: “I regret to inform you that the Appointments Board of Kabale University Under Min.598160/AB/21122 found you guilty of Sexual Harassment, failure to follow examination regulations, and professional negligence. The board, therefore, directed you be severely reprimanded and your interdiction be lifted.
“The board further resolved not to renew your contract as a Senior Lecturer of Statistics when it expires on 11 November 2022. You are therefore required to hand over all University property in your possession to the dean of the faculty of Economics and Management Science in the presence of the financial auditor.”
Dr. Abiodun, a Nigerian national is also the Director of Research at the University. He was banned mid-year to pave way for investigations into complaints that he was demanding sex from female students in exchange for marks.
The report further said: “Our reporter understands that Lukman would give retakes to female students that refuse.
“But his luck ran out when some of the female students recorded him demanding sex on the phone. Now in a November 11, 2022 letter addressed to Dr. Abiodun, the Kabale University Secretary Canon Johnson Munono Byaryantuma, says that investigations found him guilty of sexual harassment, failure to follow examination regulations and professional guidance.
“Kabale University Chancellor Joy Constance Kwesiga, confirmed the development when contacted on Sunday 13, November 2022 but declined to divulge details, saying that they have information that Dr. Lukman may petition the court.”
Months ago, two professors of the University of Abuja were sacked over sex for grades allegations.
Vice-Chancellor, of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na-Allah, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Na-Allah, who was on a two–day visit to the U.S., to meet with the University of Abuja Alumni Association, USA chapter, to solicit support for the institution, said: ”female students needed to be protected.”
According to him, the university will not tolerate any act of misconduct perpetrated by its staff against students.
“I have dismissed two professors since I became the vice-chancellor.”
“We cannot allow the lives of our students to be destroyed because most of the abuses destroy the lives of their victims.’’
The vice-chancellor said: ”it was sad to see some lecturers, who are supposed to be protecting the female students, becoming one of their problems.
“As I speak now, there are several investigations ongoing by a committee set up, addressing the problem,’’ he told NAN.
Sex in exchange for marks is a trending issue in higher institutions across the world. The Nigerian case appears to be the worst, according to a February 2022 research by Emmanuel Akinsuroju Oluwatosin, Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
His research details instances of sexual harassment against Nigerian students and how it affects education administrators.
