No fewer than 39 lecturers in the nation’s tertiary institutions have been indicted and dismissed over sexual misconduct in the past five years, analysis of media reports by The PUNCH has revealed.
Sexual harassment has been recurring in Nigerian higher educational institutions with a survey conducted in 2018 by the World Bank Group’s Women revealing that 70 per cent of female graduates from tertiary institutions in the country were sexually harassed in school, with the main perpetrators being classmates and lecturers.
Although the Senate had in 2021 passed a bill stipulating 21 years imprisonment for randy lecturers, The PUNCH reports that most of the lecturers indicted and found guilty after the bill was passed were simply sacked.
In April 2018, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, announced the indefinite suspension of a professor of Accounting, Richard Oladele, over sexual harassment.
In 2021, the university also dismissed three lecturers from the Departments of English Language, International Relations and Accounting over sexual harassment.
In February 2020, the institution also announced the suspension of a lecturer at the Centre for Distance Learning, Monday Omo-Etan, for sexually molesting a 19-year-old female student.
In 2019, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, announced the suspension of an associate professor, Monday Igbafen, over allegations bordering on sexual harassment of female students.
Igbafen, who was the chairman of the AAU branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at the time, had accused the vice-chancellor of the institution of trying to frame him.
The senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at the university, in a letter written to the school by his lawyers, Osahon Irebhude & Co, demanded a written apology from the school.
In September 2020, the management of the Imo State University announced the suspension of two lecturers, who were alleged to have been involved in sexual misconduct with female students.
In February 2021, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, announced the suspension of a lecturer in the Department of Archaeology and Tourism, Dr Chigozie Odum, over allegations bordering on sexual misconduct.
The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, similarly suspended a lecturer in the Department of Media and Theatre Arts in June 2021 for sexual misconduct.
In the same month, the management of the University of Lagos announced the dismissal of two lecturers over similar offences.
In August of that year, the University of Port Harcourt announced the dismissal of a lecturer in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature for sexual misconduct.
In October 2021, the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, also announced the dismissal of two lecturers from the departments of Nutrition/Dietetics and General Studies over sexual misconduct.
A lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education was dismissed for impregnating a female student.
In December 2021, the Kwara State University, Malete, announced the dismissal of a lecturer for harassing a student in the Department of Pure and Applied Sciences.
In January 2022, the Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rivers State, announced the dismissal of a lecturer for harassing a female student.
In April 2022, OAU again launched a probe into allegations of sexual harassment against a professor in the Department of Linguistics and African Studies. So far, two professors have been affected in the institution.
In June 2022, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof Abdul-Raheed Na’allah, announced the dismissal of two lecturers for sexual misconduct. Both of them are professors.
Earlier in 2023, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned Dr. Balogun Olaniran of the Tai Solarin University of Education, who was said to have allegedly demanded sexual gratification from a female student to alter her results in 2021.
In March 2023, a lecturer at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Abutu Thompson, was dismissed on account of sexual harassment and victimisation of a female student in the Department of Computer Science.
In May, the management of the Ambrose Alli University in Edo State reportedly dismissed an unnamed lecturer over allegations bordering sexual harassment.
Reports noted that the lecturer was dismissed on the recommendations of the institution’s Staff Disciplinary Committee, which found him guilty of the offence.
According to AAU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Asomwan Adagbonyin, the dismissed lecturer had claimed to only make advances, yet he went to the girl’s church to plead for forgiveness.
In July 2023, the VC of UNIABUJA, Na’allah, said two lecturers were dismissed following allegations of sexual harassment.
In August, the management of the University of Calabar suspended the embattled Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, over allegations of sexual harassment. Ndifon is currently being held by security operatives.
On September 7, 2023, the University of Lagos suspended a lecturer, Kadri Babalola, who was accused of raping a 21-year-old student.
Similarly, in October 2023, the Federal College of Forestry, Plateau state announced the suspension of four lecturers over allegations bordering sexual harassment of female students.
Speaking with our correspondents on the matter, the Director of Programmes, Reform Education Nigeria, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the sexual harassment bill into law.
Oluwatoyin said, “The President signing the bill will be a game-changer. We need to make schools safe for our students. The most unfortunate part of the issue is that some of these students even when harassed are scared to come out in the open for fear of victimisation and other issues.”
Former Programme Manager, Gender Justice at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon, urged institutions to prevent survivors from being further victimised into silence and provide safe anonymous pathways for them to report such incidents.
Atiku-Adejuwon also called for the building of a system of trust between university management and the student population.
“The response system has to be survivour-centred and holistic; mental and physical health concerns must be taken seriously. The response system shouldn’t be created to make the university look good; it should be to take care of the survivors,” she added.
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has announced the appointment of match officials for football events of the 2024 Olympic Games.
FIFA listed 12 match officials from Africa with none from Nigeria making the cut.
The African referees for the tournament include Beida Dahane from Mauritania, Ismail Mahmood Ali from Sudan and Karboubi Bouchra from Morocco.
Meanwhile, assistant referees from Africa include Ahmed Liban Abdoulrazack from Djibouti, Chikotesha Diana from Zambia, Jermouni Fatiha from Morocco, Noupue Elvis from Cameroon, Santos Jerson Emiliano Dos from Angola and Yiembe Stephen from Kenya.
In the video match officials category, Ashour Mahmoud from Egypt and Benbraham Lahlou from Algeria will were selected.
Additionally, Nabadda Shamirah from Uganda will provide support as part of the match officials.
[DailyPost]
Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba, has lauded Nigerian international Victor Osimhen for his stunning goal during Napoli’s recent clash against Monza.
Osimhen’s goal, a remarkable header likened to a basketball jump shot, opened the scoring in Napoli’s 4-2 victory.
The goal captured the attention of the football world and earned him the nickname “Osi-Air” for his aerial prowess.
Despite the injury he sustained while executing the extraordinary goal, Drogba expressed admiration for the young striker’s performance,
Commenting on the goal, the former striker was quoted by The Napolista to have admitted that he wouldn’t have attempted such a feat during his playing days.
“I saw Victor score that goal against Monza. Oh God! He got hurt, I thought. I wouldn’t have gone for that ball, it’s crazy. An absurd goal!,” he said.
Osimhen is reported to have jumped 2.23 meters, although this fell short of his previous record-setting leap of 2.58 meters during Napoli’s win over Spezia, according to Sky’s Studios via The Napolista.
In the earlier match against Spezia, Osimhen recorded a staggering 71cm leap, reaching a height of 8.47 feet (2.58 meters) – higher than the crossbar (8 feet) – before heading the ball past Spezia goalkeeper Bartłomiej Drągowski
[DailyTrust]
A Sokoto-based cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, defied the directives of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and led his followers on Tuesday, to observe Eid prayers.
Recall that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, had on Monday night declared that fasting would continue on Tuesday as the crescent moon could not be sighted.
The Sultan declared Wednesday as the first of Shawwal and Eid day, which would commemorate the completion of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
The Saudi Arabian authorities had also announced Wednesday for the celebration of the 2024 Eid-el-fitr.
But Sheikh Lukwa, who has over the years disobeyed the Sultan’s directive on moon sighting, led prayers at his Juma’at mosque on Tuesday morning.
Lukwa claimed that the moon of Shawwal was sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic on Monday night.
“There were reports of sightings of the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic.
“We have a verified video clip of their Council of Ulamah authenticating the report after which the country declared Tuesday as Sallah day. So it is now binding on us to observe Eid on Tuesday because this is what the teachings of the Holy Prophet says.
“If we can accept that of Saudi Arabia, why can’t we agree with that of Niger Republic which is nearer to us?
“I am not saying all Nigerian Muslims must observe their Eid prayerson Tuesday but we have no moral justification not to observe our prayer on Tuesday because the new moon was sighted by our neighbors. And remember there is no fasting on Sallah day, it is prohibited,” he said.
The cleric had in 2022 disobeyed the directive of the Sultan on the moon sighting and led Muslims in Sokoto State for Eid prayers on a contrary date.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has begun a probe into eight suspected oil thieves in its custody in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital.
A statement released on Tuesday by EFCC head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the suspects were dealing in petroleum products without appropriate licences.
The suspects were arrested on Friday February 23, 2024, onboard a wooden boat, MV Jasmine, by the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom, and handed over to the Commission on Tuesday, April 3, 2024 by the Commanding Officer Captain (NN) Uche Aneke.
According to the EFCC spokesperson, the arrested suspects include Pere Ebiye (Captain), Okon David (DeckMan), Enuwa Wilson (Cook), Wesley Okon (DeckMan), Ade Ojo Idowu (Asst. Engineer), Oluwadamire Abraham (DeckMan), Oluwole Azuzu (Asst. Captain) and Taiwo Adebanwo (Chief Engineer).
They were arrested in a boat which was laden with 30,000 litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude, bunkered in a cellophane-sealed compartment of the boat and in four Geepee tanks.
“Both the arrested crew members and the exhibits were handed over to the Commission on Tuesday April 3, 2024 by the Commanding Officer Captain (NN) Uche Aneke of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom State.
“According to him, the crew were arrested at Posn Lat. 04°18.258°N. Long 008°29. 696’E by the Navy Ship Ekulu during a patrol. He expressed determination to ensure that the Nigerian waterways remain safe and free of criminal activities.
“While receiving the crew members, boat and products, the Uyo Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa H. Saidu, who was represented by Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE1 Terseer Chinyam, thanked the Nigerian Navy and assured it of the Commission’s readiness to always partner with it and other security agencies to curb economic crimes in Nigeria.”
Ace journalist and presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, cannot be trusted due to his alleged disloyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Momodu’s accusations highlight a deepening rift within the party, underscoring the political tension following the 2023 presidential election.
Despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led administration, Wike remains a PDP member, a situation that has stirred controversy and distrust in political circles.
Momodu claims that even the president’s camp is wary of Wike’s allegiance, signaling a broader mistrust that transcends party lines.
Wike’s political journey took a contentious turn when he supported APC’s Tinubu in the 2023 elections, following disagreements within the PDP regarding the nomination of Atiku Abubakar, a northerner, as the party’s presidential candidate.
This move, coupled with his subsequent appointment as FCT Minister, has placed Wike at the center of political discourse, questioning his fidelity to the PDP.
Despite the turmoil and calls from certain quarters within the PDP for disciplinary action, the party has yet to officially sanction Wike.
Momodu, a prominent figure and publisher, expressed his disapproval of Wike’s actions, accusing him of undermining the PDP’s unity and strength.
Nigeria appreciated further in the official and parallel markets, on Monday after a 12 per cent or N152.23 reduction in the Bureaux de Change (BDC) exchange rate to N1,117.5 per dollar.
Over the weeks, Nigeria’s local currency, the naira has experienced steady appreciation against the dollar, as efforts to boost the economy are intensified by the federal government.
It is pertinent to know some of the factors responsible for the naira’s appreciation, and a few of them are discussed below:
1. CBN sells dollars to BDCs
In a circular on its website yesterday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold dollars to Bureau de Change (BDC) operators.
The apex bank said it would sell $10,000 to each BDCs a1 about N1101 per/$ and also instructed the BDCs to sell at a spread not exceeding 1.5 per cent above the CBN rate.
This approach has the capacity to strengthen the naira against the dollar, making it to be exchanged at N1,117.5 per dollar.
With this, the customers are suspending the decision to buy because based on the CBN announcement, they expect the exchange rate to further go down.
2. Implementation of CBN policies
The policies of the apex bank led by Dr Olayemi Cardoso are responsible for the naira’s steady appreciation according to the affirmation by co-founder, Comercio Partners Limited, an investment bank, Nnamdi Nwizu.
Nwizu said, “Factors behind the appreciation are basically around the various CBN policies implemented and the confidence it is bringing back to the market.
‘’We now have Foreign Portfolio Investment, FPI’s showing interest in Nigeria and have seen the forex backlog cleared by the CBN. Also, we have high-interest rates, making it harder to source naira to buy the dollars. All of these have contributed largely to the naira’s appreciation.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has warned schools, supermarkets, hotels and others against charging for services in the country in dollar or any other foreign currency.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, in the latest edition of the commission’s monthly e-magazine, released on Monday, threatened to jail anyone found dollarising the economy.
The EFCC boss cautioned that anyone caught collecting dollar for services or goods would be treated as a criminal in accordance with relevant Nigerian laws.
He vowed that the commission would go after schools, supermarkets, hotels, estate developers and business operators that used the dollar for transaction instead of naira.
“We have also started securing convictions. Schools that charge Nigerians in dollar, supermarkets that trade in dollar, estate developers that sell their property in dollar, hotels that are invoicing in dollar, we are coming after you and we have made arrests in that area.
“Yes, if foreigners are coming in and the only means of transacting is their credit card, and dollar, why not, you will get that.
“But document it properly as against selling things within the system, local economy and you will be using dollar as the medium of exchange, it is illegal.
“Our law does not allow for that. And we have also effected some arrests,” he said.
The image of a helicopter parent, standing at the sidelines shouting at the pitch, has long since been an unwelcome stereotype associated with children who play sport.
In some leagues, mums and dads have been issued with a code of conduct to adhere to, in order to avoid unpleasant arguments or physical fights.
However, Manchester City star Demi Stokes is more than ready for that narrative to change.
Growing up, she witnessed dads at the sidelines who yelled ‘Kick her! Break her legs!’ to her opponents. Demi’s first team – called Sunderland 24-7 – was an all-girls team who boldly played in a boys’ league.
‘Some parents get so caught up in thinking “they’re not this, they’re not doing that.” I just think “why does it matter?”,’ Demi, 32, tells Metro.
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‘As long as your son or daughter is happy playing sport and becoming more confident in who they are, that’s what’s important.
‘Taking the pressure away can allow kids to feel more free.’
Born in Birmingham before moving to South Shields, Demi always dreamed of playing football and had a giant poster of David Beckham above her bed.
It was her former PE teacher Ian Williamson, who taught the former Sunderland full-back from the age of 10 at Marine Park Primary School, and urged her to trial for Sunderland’s youth team.
Demi credits him, as well as her mum and nan, with giving her the confidence to brush off laughter from any boys who scoffed at the fact she played football.
Metro’s signing with Women’s Football Awards
Demi’s Manchester City side are among the clubs in the running at this year’s 2024 Women’s Football Awards.
They celebrate the players, people, brands and organisations who are helping to grow the sport – from World Cup heroes to broadcasters to those working at grassroots level.
Launched in 2023, in association with Daily Mail Sport and Metro, the Women’s Football Awards are the biggest awards event in women’s football.
‘Ian was brilliant,’ she remembers. ‘It was the encouragement of the people I had around me that kept me going. They supported me, but equally didn’t put too much pressure on me.
‘It was like “we’ll let her figure it out, let her blossom and become whoever she wants to be.’
Previously, research has found that a third of UK children had missed out on a sporting opportunity because of the costs involved, with football, swimming and tennis topping the list.
‘The world is a crazy place where a lot of people are struggling to make ends meet,’ says Demi, who has one son.
‘You never know what people’s lives at home are like, or what they’ve gone through, so these new clubs are massive for kids.
‘Not everyone has the support of parents, family members of school teachers. So football can become a little safe haven where they can feel at home. They’ll make a huge difference in letting kids express themselves and grow in confidence.’
As part of Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses team who claimed the Euro 2022 crown, ending a 56-year wait for a major international honour, Demi has also represented Team GB at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and has made more than 200 appearances for Manchester City.
She still has to pinch herself at how far she’s come. When asked if ten-year-old self could have seen her array of achievements coming, Demi laughs.
‘No, not at all,’ she says. ‘As a kid you think “oh, I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that,” unaware you have to make money and pay the bills. It’s been a crazy journey but an incredible one as well. I always say I’m very fortunate and grateful for the journey I’ve had.
‘The opportunities for a young girl today who wants to play football are so exciting. And things are only going to keep improving the more we win and the more the Lionesses win. Women’s football is in a good place but we’re not satisfied yet.
‘If we all play our part, we can make sure that growth keeps happening.’
Kellogg’s Football Camps sessions will begin in July. Sessions will take place throughout the week during the school summer holidays, with all abilities welcome.
[Newspot]
Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu has noted that it is not a bad idea to own a club side in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Tony Elumelu who is one of the most famous billionaires in Nigeria is known for a series of charitable gestures but he is not known to be affiliated with any professional football club in the country.
Most of the NPFL clubs are owned by state governments and are hardly able to compete with most clubs in Africa due to poor funding and poor management.
Hence, there have been calls for the private sector to get involved with the league by owning clubs as a form of Corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme.
Recently, one X user, LawyerDayo took to the social media platform to write: “Can we get the President and Ministry of Sport to weigh in on the big corporations in Nigeria to buy at least one league club as part of CSR? Imagine Dangote buys Kano Pillars, BUA buys Kwara United, Elumelu acquires Rivers United, and Geregu takes over 3SC. Imagine the competition.”
In response to the post, Tony Elumelu wrote on X that the Federal Government, through the Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh, has discussed a similar idea with him. He said the parties involved are currently studying the possibilities of such a move.
The Nigerian billionaire wrote, “This is a nice idea. The Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh @OwanEnoh, is already thinking along this line and has approached me and we are already evaluating viability.”
[NaijaNews]
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Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, received travel content creator, Pelumi Nubi, at the Government House, following her arrival in Lagos from London by road on Sunday afternoon.
The governor has consequently appointed Pelumi Nubi as Lagos Brand Ambassador with a new car, house, and customised plate number.
Taking to her X handle (formerly Twitter) to announce the development after meeting with the Governor Sanwo-Olu, Pelumi wrote: “Just another great start and a new beginning
Congratulations to me guys as I become a Lagos state ambassador ????????????❤️
Alongside a new car gift from His excellence @jidesanwoolu A new home in Lagos and also a customized plate number
God is Good????❤️❤️”
LEADERSHIP reports that Pelumi Nubi had received heroic welcome as she finally arrived Lagos on Sunday after 68 days of driving solo from London, United Kingdom.
It would be recalled that the content creator had earlier announced that she would be driving from London to Lagos some months ago.
During her journey, she had suffered an accident, which momentarily put a stop to her trip, before she continued.
Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, met Pelumi at the Nigerian-Benin Republic border on behalf of the Lagos State Government on Sunday.
Pelumi made her second stop at Badagry before continuing on to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to celebrate her arrival.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Monday morning appointed Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as his deputy.
Naija News reports that this is coming hours after the Edo State House of Assembly impeached the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.
Omobayo Marvellous Godwins hails from Akoko-Edo, Edo North Senatorial District.
The governor will carry at the swearing in of Omobayo today at the Dennis Osadebey Government House.
Shaibu was impeached by the State Assembly after they adopted the report of a seven-man panel that investigated allegations of misconduct against him.
Naija News had earlier reported that the retired Justice S. A. Omonuwa-led panel had its inaugural sitting last Wednesday in Benin, the state capital.
The panel ended its sitting on Friday with Shaibu or his counsel failing to show up to defend the allegations levelled against him.
The panel had adjourned till Thursday for Shaibu to open his defence, and when he didn’t show up, he was given till Friday to come and defend the allegation against him, which he failed to do.
The Edo State House of Assembly, which is the petitioner in the case, had on Wednesday opened and closed its case, paving the way for Shaibu to defend the allegations levelled against him.
Shaibu’s counsel, Oladoyin Awoyale, attended the inaugural sitting but excused himself in the middle of the hearing after the panel refused his prayer to suspend the proceedings pending the outcome of a suit filed in Abuja by Shaibu challenging the impeachment move against him.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has warned his aides and other political office holders against stealing of public funds.
Soludo has since he took office as Anambra governor campaigned for patronage of Nigerian made products and cutting down on cost of governance.
The governor has also been wearing local fabrics, and driving locally manufactured vehicles from Innoson Motors.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service organized by the member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Princess Chinwe Clara Nnabuife, at St Paul’s Church, Umunze, the governor tasked political office holders on judicious use of public funds.
He welcomed Nnabuife, who was formally in Young Progressives Party, YPP, into the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
“I urge public office holders to see their position as one entrusted onto them by God for the good of the people.
“You must account to your constituents every penny that was entrusted to you on their behalf. It is not your money.”
Nnabuife disclosed that she decided to join APGA because of Soludo’s uncommon leadership style.
Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah, secured three records in their Sunday fixture against rivals Manchester United, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
Colombia national, Luis Diaz, put the Reds ahead in the first half before United captain, Bruno Fernandes, restored parity with his sensational long-range strike.
Youngster, Kobbie Mainoo, then put the Red Devils in front and Erik ten Hag's charges looked on course to cart home all three points, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to concede a penalty deep in the second half.
Salah stepped up to convert the penalty in the 84th minute to make it 2-2, also ensuring both teams shared the spoils.
According to SPORTbible, Salah's strike from the penalty spot saw him set three records at the Theatre of Dreams.
With 11 goals, the Egypt national has scored the most goals against Manchester United by any player in the history of the Premier League, overtaking Alan Shearer's tally of 10.
The forward has now also gone past Steven Gerrard, who held a milestone for scoring five goals as a visiting player at Old Trafford.
Salah further set himself as the first player to find the net in four consecutive away games against Manchester United.
Meanwhile, the Reds now sit in second position with 71 points following their draw at Old Trafford, while ten Hag's men are in sixth place with 49 points.
Liverpool would be ruing the stalemate, as it may have taken the Premier League title race out of their control.