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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, has removed some affected lecturers undergoing investigations over alleged sexual harassment of students from their positions.
The Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Public Relations and Special Duties, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu, who disclosed this in a press statement issued in Awka yesterday, also said the Vice Chancellor has also made available a dedicated telephone number to enable students report all forms of harassment by staff, especially sexual harassment. Ojukwu also debunked reports of female students protest in the university over sexual harassment from lecturers. But he said there was an ongoing investigation concerning allegations of sexual harassment in the university.
“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 will severely punish erring staff, especially those who are molesting or sexually harassing our students.”
“The Vice Chancellor has, therefore, made a dedicated telephone number available to enable students report all forms of harassment by staff especially sexual harassment.
“He further assures students of the renewed determination of the university to protect them and treat all forms of allegations of sexual harassment with the seriousness it deserves and confidentially,” the statement noted.
