Kogi state polytechnic has suspended seven lecturers over unauthorised sale of handouts and allegations of sexual harassment from female students.
John Onimisi, spokesperson of the polytechnic, confirmed the suspension of the seven lecturers, adding that the institution is already taking more disciplinary measures against other lecturers accused of violating institutional rules.
He said six of the affected lecturers were suspended over alleged unauthorised sales of handouts and textbooks within the institution, while the last one was suspended over an allegation of sexual harassment.
“The disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating the allegations and the outcome will be made available to journalists,” NAN quoted Onimisi as saying.
In separate interviews, some students of the polytechnic, who spoke on Sunday on the condition of anonymity, alleged that some lecturers now demand sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.
They claimed that two lecturers, from public administration and graphics design departments, allegedly charge between N70,000 and N80,000 for their courses, threatening students with failure unless they “cooperate” or make the requested payments.
“Sadly, these things were tamed under the former management. But with the current ‘I-don’t-care’ attitude, the old traits are coming back,” NAN quoted a student as saying.
Another student alleged that one lecturer instructed a female student to book a hotel room and pay the bills before a planned meeting.
The student was said to have refused the advances, reporting the lecturer to the university management.
“The disciplinary structure has collapsed. Corrupt lecturers are getting emboldened while female students are suffering in silence for fear of rustication,” another student said.
The students further lamented what they described as the return of handout sales by the lecturers, noting that the issue has sparked anxiety on the university campus.
However, Onimisi said the polytechnic had already begun taking disciplinary measures against lecturers accused of violating institutional rules.
