Management of the University of Lagos has suspended Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu,one of the Lecturers who was captured in a sting operation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) titled “Sex for Grades”.
The viral video chronicled cases of sexual harassment of female students by some lecturers in some West African Universities including University of Lagos and University of Ghana.
His suspension comes after an emergency meeting by management on October 7, 2019 following the alleged scandal, a copy of a statement released by management and signed by Mrs. Taiwo Oloyede, Principal Assistant Registrar (Communication Unit) said.
A decision by management on his case also declared him persona non grata as he was barred from the University academic areas pending his suspension “unless invited by a Panel constituted by the University to investigate the matter.”
“In addition to this, the University Management has ordered the shutdown of the Staff Club “Cold Room” mentioned in the documentary for further investigation. The so-called “Cold Room” is a Functions Room that may have been abused because this is a deviation from the purpose for which it was created (meetings, seminars, events, etc.), ” the statement noted
However, the University assured members of the public that any other lecturer mentioned in the full version of the entire documentary billed to air later will also be suspended to ensure a proper investigation is carried out.
“The University is embarrassed and dissociates itself totally from this act(s) and any inappropriate behaviour of staff with female students and vice versa. The University has a well-articulated “Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual and Romantic Relationships”. A copy of the University Sexual Harassment Policy was distributed to all members of staff and can also be obtained on the University website: https://unilag.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/SEXUAL-HARRASMENT-UNILAG COMMUNICATION-UNITS.pdf
“…As a reputable Institution and one of the foremost Universities in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa, we are highly embarrassed by these allegations and we will do all that is necessary to ensure that this menace is checked in our institution.
“The University of Lagos is committed to providing conducive and safe learning environment where future leaders are trained to take responsibilities for their action.”
I’ll teach BBC a lesson – Prof. Gyampo
A Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana (UG), Professor Ransford Gyampo has threatened to sue the BBC over its “Sex for grades” documentary, which captured him as part of the scandal.
Prof. Gyampo has denied allegations that he sexually harass female students at the University insisting he’ll take legal actions against the BBC.
“My Lawyers insist that we must teach them a lesson. So tomorrow morning,they’ll see our defamatory suit against them. We’ll sue them ,” he said in a radio interview with an Accra-based Citi FM.
Professor Gyampo was captured in excerpts of the video making “numerous inappropriate demands” from the student whom he had agreed to mentor.
He subsequently proposed to the student to marry him and revealed his desire to kiss her.
The BBC has indicated that Prof. Gyampo has denied the allegations leveled against him adding that he was entrapped.