Most times tales of sexual harassment come up in higher institutions in Nigeria, they are about lecturers and students.
But the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, in Asia State, has witnessed an unusual one in recent times.
A female lecturer, Dr Patricia Mba, accused the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francis Otunta, of sexually harassing her.
The management of the institution has, however, found the VC innocent of the allegation.
It rather noted in a statement that Mbah was on a vendetta mission against Otunta, as she has allegedly flouted some university rules.
The statement released by the Institution’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs Jacinta N. Ogwo-Agu, Indicated:
“At no time or place did harass physically or sexually the said Dr Mbah as he has no need to do so.
“Dr Mbah, alongside more than 100 other members of staff, were properly placed from her previous unmerited position in line with the approval given by the Council at its 21st emergency Meeting held from Monday, May 13 to Thursday May 16, 2019.
“Dr Mbah’s salary was suspended after she travelled abroad and absconded from her duties without due authorization. In line with the rules of the University, her immediate superiors reported her absence from duty.
“The action of the Governing Council was informed by a deluge of petitions against the arbitrary and skewed promotions and appointments carried out by the last administration without regard to extant laws governing same which the Federal Ministry of Education directed the Governing Council to handle as infractions committed by the Hilary Edeoga administration.
“Unless Dr Mbah is no longer a member of staff of the University, she must subject herself to the extant rules governing her employment including promotions and discipline.
“Prof Otunta is ever ready to defend his innocence before any lawful and properly constituted body that either the Governing Council of the University or Federal Ministry of Education and our own Ministry of Agriculture may deem fit to set up to investigate the unfounded foundation.”
