LASU speaks on investigation of sexual harassment involving lecturer

The management of the Lagos State University, Ojo, has given update on the probe panel set up over the allegation of sexual abuse involving a lecturer in the university.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Adekoya Martins, spoke in a telephone interview on Thursday.

About three weeks ago, the university said it had issued a query to an Associate Professor in its Department of Economics over alleged sexual assault of a student, and the case was already before a Joint Action Disciplinary Committee

The lecturer, Sunkanmi Odubunmi, was involved in sexual harassment allegations. He allegedly sexually harassed a yet-to-be-identified female student in his office when he invited her into his office to rewrite the paper she failed.

The victim then involved an NGO to help track the lecturer before proceeding to his office. A surveillance gadget was reportedly placed on the student while the NGO stationed the laptops connected to the spy cameras to monitor what would happen between the lecturer and the student.

Mr Odubunmi reportedly fell for the trap as he was said to have removed his shirt and started cuddling the student after giving her papers to rewrite the exam he invited her for. He was thereafter arrested by the university security officials and the NGO representatives.

On Thursday, Mr Martins said that investigation is almost at the final stage.

“The case has gone beyond issuing a query to him (accused lecturer). It is now before the joint committee of Senate and Council Disciplinary Committee. When they give their final verdict, the council will look at it and release the final thing. Just give us a little time, it is almost at the final stage.”

When asked about when the council will be meeting next, Mr. Martins told our correspondent that he could not confirm that except he finds out.

Since April, three Nigerian universities; Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Lagos and Lagos State University, have become objects of public spotlight, after their lecturers got involved in sexual harassment scandals.