From BERNICE EKE, Abuja
The Akwa Ibom State University on Tuesday said it had terminated the appointments of eight lecturers for alleged involvement in sexual harassment and extortion.
The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said this while briefing newsmen at Ikot Akpaden, adding that an associate professor has already been indicted by a panel and would soon face stiff sanction.
He said however that some of the cases were in court, adding that 10 students involved in cultism were also caught by the management of the institution.
Ibanga alleged that the affected students were caught with a mini coffin, red clothes and axes while on their way to an initiation ceremony.
The Vice chancellor, who noted that all the cases were thoroughly investigated before disciplinary actions were taken against the culprits, said the university was doing its best to instill sanity among lecturers and students. Mentioning that cases of immoralities were thoroughly investigated by the management before disciplinary measures are carried out
He said, “The appointments of the eight lecturers have been terminated by the university bordering on sexual harassment and extortion. As we speak, a notorious one is on the ground and the person will not go Scot-free.
“Some of the cases are still in court. I swore to run an institution that can stand the test of time and we are doing our best to bring sanity to the institution,”
”I have given the students a helpline number. And if they are afraid to call, they can send text and we will follow it up.
“When there is a complaint against a lecturer, we give such lecturer query to explain. In fact, students came in the face of a lecturer and told him that he collected money from them. We are doing our best to restore sanity. ”
He said 2,000 graduates would be awarded degrees, certificates and prizes during the 4th and 5th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday, at the institution’s main campus in the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state.
On staff welfare and development, Prof Ibanga commended Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel for adequate funding of the institution, noting that many lecturers have benefited from programmes both within and outside the country.
He added that the varsity has signed agreements with several organizations and bodies with a view to ensuring the development of key infrastructure and programmes.
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