The University of Benin has established a committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against a professor in the Department of Philosophy. The committee, set up by the Vice-Chancellor, is urging staff and students with relevant information or those who have experienced similar incidents to come forward and share their experiences.
The investigation follows a social media post by a female graduate who accused the professor of sexual harassment during her undergraduate studies. The university has assured that all information gathered will be treated with confidentiality and that identities will be protected.
This development comes after a recent survey revealed that 70% of female graduates in Nigeria experienced sexual harassment in school, with lecturers and classmates being the main perpetrators.
The Senate had passed a bill in 2021 stipulating 21 years imprisonment for lecturers found guilty of sexual misconduct, but most indicted lecturers have been simply sacked.
