The Clifford University in Abia State has suspended a faculty officer, Mr. Obioma Nwogwgwu, following allegations of sexual harassment made by a 17-year-old female law student.
The university’s management took the swift action, suspending Nwogwgwu indefinitely on May 29, 2025, and announcing that he would face a staff disciplinary committee.
The allegations were brought to light by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, a human rights group that wrote petitions to the university management and the Okpualangwa Divisional Police headquarters.
The group’s director, Marvelous Ochiegbu, praised the university’s management for their prompt response but emphasized the need for fairness and accountability in the investigation.
“We thank the management of Clifford University for swiftly taking action on the issues raised by the female student,”
Ochiegbu said. “However, we call for fairness and accountability in the investigation of the matter.”
He also appealed for protection for the female student from any potential victimisation.
The university’s statement assured the public that all results are domiciled with the Registry and can be resolved there if there are any issues.
Nwogwgwu’s suspension is a significant step in addressing the prevalent issue of sexual harassment in Nigerian universities. According to a 2018 survey by the World Bank Group’s Women, Business, and the Law project, 70% of female graduates in Nigeria have experienced sexual harassment in school, commonly from classmates and lecturers.
In recent times, several lecturers across Nigerian public tertiary institutions have been indicted for sexual misconduct, with some facing disciplinary panels and others being dismissed.
The Senate’s bill prescribing a 21-year jail term for lecturers guilty of sexual exploitation is yet to be signed into law, despite its passage in 2021.
