The Federal Competition and
Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has condemned acts of sexual harassment
and other forms of exploitation in institutions of learning.
In the Sex for Grade documentary
by BBC, a University of Lagos (UNILAG) lecturer was caught on camera demanding
sex from an undercover journalist seeking admission.
The lecturer, Boniface Igbeneghu,
is a former sub-dean of Faculty of Art and head pastor of local Foursquare
Gospel Church.
He has been suspended by both the
school and the church.
According to FCCPC, students as
consumers of educational services are entitled to safe, secure and liberal
educational environments where the relationship between faculty and students
promotes confidence and robust knowledge sharing.
A statement Thursday night by
Babatunde Irukera, FCCPC Chief Executive Officer, recalled actions it had taken
in sexual harassment cases and revealed plans to further check the menace.
He said: “On April 30, 2018 FCCPC
requested authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to act both
swiftly and decisively regarding an allegation of inappropriate conduct,
specifically, sexual misconduct against a member of faculty that emerged by the
disclosure incontrovertible evidence by the victim and student.
“The Commission remained in
communication with OAU to ensure the investigative and disciplinary process was
both transparent and timely. OAU ultimately disciplined the member of faculty
in a decisive manner. On June 21, 2018, the Commission welcomed and commended
OAU’s action.
“On October 6, 2019 the
Commission again applauded Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) for its unprecedented
bold and resolute action in disciplining 15 employees for sexual misconduct,
and conduct bordering on corruption.
“Subsequent to, and perhaps
contemporaneous with these actions, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
was apparently journalistically investigating institutions in West Africa in a
Sex For Grades menace.
“This investigation has led to
swift and commendable responses by the University of Lagos authorities,
specifically the suspension of the implicated lecturers and the closure of the
“cold room”.
“The open disclosures and naming
by victims and others of possible violators across the country underscores what
is essentially a problem of rampant proportions. This conduct is not limited to
the identified in this statement. We strongly urge others to take decisive and
transparent action as well as limiting enabling fora for such conduct in their
school communities.
“The Commission, in furtherance
of its mandate to protect consumers, and in recognition of students as a
vulnerable group of consumers receiving services from educational institutions
and members of faculty that wield substantial power over them, is leading an
effort to establish a framework to provide adequate protection and
accountability, and to address this obvious and inexcusable pattern that
appears prevalent in schools.
“The Commission is immediately
engaging the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities
Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission, the
Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Women
Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, Student Union groups across
the country, relevant Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders, to
develop a robust mechanism to support prevention, retribution and
accountability.
“As an initial matter, the
Commission is interested in harvesting credible intelligence to assist with
engaging the relevant school authorities to encourage decisive action, and
standing policies regarding sexual harassment, exploitation and other
misconduct. The Commission therefore urges anyone with credible information to
provide same to our dedicated email: sexforgrades@fccpc.gov.ng”.
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