The University of Abuja popularly known as UniAbuja has terminated the appointment of two of her professors recently. The action was taken due to an alleged inappropriate relationship with some female students of the school.
Also, two other lecturers, one of who is a Ph.D. holder were demoted by rank over the said alleged offense.
Dr. Habib Yakoob, who is the Head of Information of the University said the two lecturers sacked deserved it. He gave the names of the lecturers to be Prof. Adeniji Adedayo Abiodun and Prof. Agaptus Buzo-Chibuzo Orji. The first is in the Department of Animal Science in the Faculty of Agriculture. The other is in the Department of Science and Environmental Education, Faculty of Education.
UniAbuja also gave the names of the two lecturers demoted as well. The first lecturer is Dr. Robert Dajal, Department of Science and Environmental Education, Faculty of Education. He was demoted by a rank, from Associate Professor to Senior Lecturer. Another Lecturer is Mr. Gana Emmanuel Sunday Defian, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture. Mr Gana was also demoted by two ranks, from Lecturer 1 to Assistant Lecturer.” Their demotion sends a signal for others in the school, it is result of misconduct and to protect the image and name UniAbuja.
The statement explained that the University “Council at its 85th Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, 11th and Thursday, 12th December 2019. They have considered reports and recommendations from its Disciplinary Committee and after due diligence. The school approved the termination of the appointment of two Professors for their various acts of misconduct.”
It would be recalled that a female student of the university had earlier in July this year, alleged a lecturer for similar act. She said a professor in the Department of Agriculture of the university allegedly demanded sex in order to give her marks.
The lecturer had earlier been issued a query once before. He was caught pants down during a sting operation by policemen of the Gwarinpa police station.
It was gathered that the lecturer had threatened the staudent to fail if she refused him of sex with her. The student with registration number: 16211546, said the leacturer she wont pass a course unless she gave in to his sexual demands. She reported the matter to security operatives, who organised a sting operation.
The sting operation was carried out by men of the Gwarinpa police station. It was there that the professor was caught pants down in a hotel room in the highbrow estate of the Federal Capital Territory.
The UniAbuja statement read thus:
“Council at its 85th Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, 11th and Thursday, 12th December 2019. In the meeting, they considered reports and recommendations from its Disciplinary Committee. It was after due diligence, they approved the termination of the appointment of the two Professors.
Professor Adeniji Adedayo Abiodun of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, is the first. He was sacked for an inappropriate relationship with a female student. It is an act of misconduct of ‘scandalous and disgraceful nature. In the schools constitution it is very wrong and is a purnishable offence. Section 16, subsection 3(c) of the University of Abuja Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (1999), speaks about it. Falsification of academic records’ and ‘aiding and abetting of examination malpractice is also against the school code of conduct. In line with section 7, subsection 1b(ii) &(v) of the University of Abuja Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (1999).
”Professor Agaptus Buzo – Chibuzo Orji of the Department of Science and Environmental Education, Faculty of Education. The second was charged for ‘falsification of academic records’, ‘aiding and abetting of examination malpractice.’ In line with section 7, subsection 1b(ii)&(v) of the University of Abuja Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (1999). ‘Corruption and dishonesty’ in line with Section 7, subsection 1b (iv) of the University of Abuja Condition of Service for Senior Staff (1999).
“Council also approved the demotion of Dr. Robert Dajal. He is in the Department of Science and Environmental Education, Faculty of Education. The Lectuer was dropped by a rank, from Associate Professor to Senior Lecturer. Mr. Gana Emmanuel Sunday Defian, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture also dropped by two ranks. Gana Emmanuel was Lecturer 1 before but he was dropped to Assistant Lecturer. Their complicity in various acts of misconduct inimical to the good image of the University.
“The University of Abuja wishes to restate its commitment to high moral standards. It is also determind to take appropriate disciplinary measures against any act of misconduct perpetrated by its staff and/or students. Their actions is clear show of interest in justice and educational development.”
Source: Vanguard