Abia State University, Uturu, has suspended Dr. Udochukwu Ndukwe, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, for three months following allegations of sexual harassment against a female student.
A letter signed by the school’s registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, dated July 30, 2024, and obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday, stated that Ndukwe would be investigated and would lose half of his pay “in line with the University Conditions of Service pending the conclusion of the investigation for which a panel has been set up.”
The letter described Ndukwe’s actions as an “embarrassment” to the university. Sources revealed that the disgraced lecturer had repeatedly been accused of sexually harassing, intimidating, and extorting female students in the department.
A viral social media video, obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday, showed Ndukwe on his knees, being interrogated by several individuals in a room. According to reports, he was set up by a final-year female student he had been accused of continuously harassing and intimidating.
Investigations by PUNCH Metro revealed that the student, who had allegedly been harassed for over two years, collaborated with others to set up Ndukwe at a popular hotel in Umuahia, where he was caught in a compromising situation, pleading not to be exposed.
The viral video also showed the lecturer with bloodied lips and visible bruises.
The letter from the university confirmed that a panel had been established to further investigate the suspended lecturer.
“Following the disturbing online video clip involving you, trending on social media, which has brought embarrassment to Abia State University, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Authorities, has approved your immediate suspension from duty for three months, in the first instance, with half salary, in line with the University Conditions of Service pending the conclusion of the investigation for which a panel has been set up,” the letter read.
“You are to hand over any university property in your possession to your Head of Department. By this notice, all relevant authorities of the university are to note, for strict compliance.”
Attempts by PUNCH Metro to get a reaction from the university registrar were unsuccessful, as his mobile telephone number went unanswered on Thursday, and he had not responded to a text message sent as of the time this report was filed.
