The Abia State University, Uturu, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Udochukwu Ndukwe, for three months following allegations of sexual harassment against a female student.
A letter signed by the school’s registrar, Dr Acho Elendu, dated July 30, 2024, and obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday, stated that Ndukwe would be investigated and would lose half of his pay “in line with the University Conditions of Service pending the conclusion of the investigation for which a panel has been set up.”
The letter described the suspended lecturer’s actions as an “embarrassment” to the The disgraced lecturer, our correspondent learnt, had repeatedly been accused of sexually harassing, intimidating and extorting female students of the department.
A viral social media video obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday showed the lecturer on his knees, being interrogated by several individuals in a room.
Ndukwe was, our correspondent gathered, allegedly set up by a final-year female student whom he was accused of continuously sexually harassing and intimidating.
PUNCH Metro investigations revealed that to expose the predatory lecturer, a female student he had allegedly been harassing for over two years collaborated with others to set him up at a popular hotel in Umuahia, where he was caught pants down, pleading not to be exposed.
Our correspondent also noted in the viral short video that the lecturer’s lips were bloodied and he had visible bruises.
According to the letter, a panel has been established to further investigate the suspended lecturer “pending the conclusion of the investigation.”
He said, “Following the disturbing online video clip involving you, trending on social media, which has brought embarrassment to Abia State University, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Authorities, has approved your immediate suspension from duty for three months, in the first instance, with half salary, in line with the University Conditions of Service pending the conclusion of the investigation for which a panel has been set up.
“You are to hand over any university property in your possession to your Head of Department.
“By this notice, all relevant authorities of the university are to note, for strict compliance.”
All attempts by PUNCH Metro to get a reaction from the university registrar regarding the suspension were unsuccessful, as his mobile telephone number went unanswered on Thursday, and he had not responded to a text message sent as of the time this report was filed.
