The Management of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State has taken swift action by suspending Mfonobong Udoudom, a lecturer in the General Studies Department, following allegations of sexual harassment involving a female student.

In a statement issued by the university’s spokesperson, Okwunka Omeaku, on Tuesday, it was emphasized that UNN maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct, particularly between staff and students.

Omeaku highlighted that the university has a comprehensive Sexual Harassment Policy in place to regulate interactions among its academic community.

“The management of the University of Nigeria has suspended Mr (not a Professor) Mfonobong David Udoudom, a lecturer in our General Studies division, who was caught in a video allegedly harassing a female student,” the statement read.

The suspension, effective immediately and indefinite, awaits the outcome of a disciplinary panel established by the university to investigate the incident thoroughly.

According to reports, the lecturer allegedly threatened the female student, asserting that she would not pass his course unless she acquiesced to sexual advances.

The situation escalated after the students completed an examination for the course, with the lecturer purportedly warning some female students of dire consequences if they did not comply with his demands.

The female student, in a courageous move, informed her husband of the harassment, who subsequently filed a complaint with the university authorities.

Acting on the complaint, the university advised the student to cooperate while discreetly addressing the issue.

A viral video depicting the lecturer partially naked further fueled public outrage and prompted swift action from the university.

The Oyo State Government has announced the appointment of Mr. Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi as the Acting Registrar and Mr. David Olukola Taiwo as the Acting Bursar of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

According to a statement released by Soladoye Adewole, the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, the appointment letters were issued on behalf of the State Government by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, and were dated 8th April. These appointments were endorsed by the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi.

Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi, the newly appointed Acting Registrar, brings a wealth of administrative experience to his new role. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Registrar of the Directorate of Academic Affairs at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Ogunjimi holds a B.Sc degree in Psychology from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and an MSc in Industrial Psychology from the University of Ibadan.

His journey in academia began at Prospect High School, Aba Nla, where he completed his secondary education between 1973 and 1978. Ogunjimi’s tenure at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, spans several years, during which he held various administrative positions, showcasing his prowess as an administrative wizard.

David Olukola Taiwo, the newly appointed Acting Bursar, comes with extensive experience in financial management. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Chief Accountant at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Taiwo began his career at the institution in March 1994, joining as an Accountant II. Over the years, he climbed the ranks to become the Chief Accountant in 2015. Taiwo holds multiple qualifications in accounting and is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCE).

His contributions within the Bursary Department, including roles such as Head of the Treasury Unit and Head of the Final Accounts Unit, underscore his proficiency in financial matters.

Both Ogunjimi and Taiwo are described as family-oriented individuals, happily married and blessed with responsible children.

The appointments of Mr. Adewunmi Joseph Ogunjimi and Mr. David Olukola Taiwo signify a new chapter in the administrative landscape of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as they assume their respective roles with dedication and expertise.

Professor Aituaje Irene Pogoson, a scholar at the University of Ibadan (UI), has emphasised the pressing need for a more coherent elucidation of President Bola Tinubu’s 4-D renewed foreign policy doctrine.

This assertion was made during her delivery of the university’s 545th inaugural lecture entitled “The World in Transition: Understanding Power in the International System.”

Addressing a diverse audience including prominent academics and former Vice-Chancellors, Professor Pogoson underscored the imperative for Nigeria to confront a myriad of socio-economic and political challenges to assert its position in the evolving global landscape.

The lecture, marking the 14th in the series for the 2022/2023 academic session and the 11th inaugural lecture from the Department of Political Science, highlighted the urgency for Nigeria to recalibrate its foreign policy strategy.

Speaking passionately, Professor Pogoson, the first female lecturer and Head of the Department of Political Science at the university, lamented Nigeria’s current positioning within the global order, stressing the need for the country to maintain respect and relevance internationally.

She emphasised the necessity for Nigeria to re-strategize and re-formulate its foreign policy framework to effectively address both internal and external dynamics.

In analysing President Tinubu’s administration’s efforts towards repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, Professor Pogoson acknowledged the unveiling of ‘Nigeria’s 4-D Renewed Foreign Policy Doctrine,’ comprising Democracy, Demography, Development, and Diaspora.

However, she urged for a clearer articulation of this doctrine, advocating for concrete policies and actions to be outlined.

This marked Professor Pogoson’s third public lecture at the university, following her previous engagements addressing issues ranging from terrorism and national security to global power shifts.