Education

UNN suspends lecturer for alleged sexual misconduct, begins probe

Published

1 year ago

April 23, 2024

University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has suspended a lecturer identified as Mr Mfonobong Udoudom, who was caught in a now-viral video allegedly harassing a female student.

The lecturer who was caught in a viral video wearing a pair of boxers is said to be a lecturer in the General Studies division of the university.

Although our correspondent could not independently ascertain the day the incident occurred, the University had confirmed it.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by Acting Public Relations Officer, Chief Okwun Omeaku, the university said the randy lecturer has been suspended indefinitely while clarifying that he is not a professor.

His indefinite suspension, according to the statement, was to enable a thorough investigation into the incident by a disciplinary panel constituted by the University.

“The indefinite suspension is with immediate effect pending the outcome of a disciplinary panel constituted by the University to investigate the incident,” the statement noted.

“For the records, the University of Nigeria has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct involving our staff and students. UNN is among the few universities in the country that has a Sexual Harassment Policy, which guides the relationship between our staff and students in particular and among our male and female staff.

The university noted that they will investigate the matter, and appropriate sanctions will go to the accused if found guilty.

“As a university, we are committed to protecting our students from any form of abuse and exploitation, and the University Management will not hesitate to punish Mr Mfonobong David Udoudom, according to our rules, if he is found guilty by our disciplinary panel.”

In the viral video, seen by our correspondent, a voice was overheard saying, “We have been following this case from day one, we have tracks, all the voice notes, and everything.”

Another voice, supposedly, of a member of the task force was overheard saying in Igbo language, “If you want to ask questions, ask now; not when we have taken him out, people will start saying rubbish.”

Education

Peter Obi Reacts After UNIZIK Staff Told Him That They Have Been Working For 5 Years Without being paid salary.

Published

6 days ago

June 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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‎On June 6, 2025, Peter Obi, a notable Nigerian politician, drew attention to the distressing situation of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) staff in Awka, who have gone unpaid for five years.
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‎In a post on X at 4:30 PM WAT, Obi shared insights from his meeting with the affected teaching and non-teaching staff, describing their experiences as “shocking and heartbreaking.
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‎” These employees, hired between 2019 and 2020, have been excluded from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), a federal payroll platform, resulting in non-payment of their salaries.”
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‎He state the affected staff told him that they have written multiple petitions and appeals, both within Nigeria and international bodies but their situation has remained unchanged.
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‎He called on the Federal Government to urgently enroll the staff on IPPIS and settle all outstanding salary arrears, framing the situation as both a humanitarian and moral concern. Obi stressed that neglecting educators jeopardizes the nation’s future and that the dignity of Nigerian workers must be upheld.
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Education

Anambra Govt Close School after Vigilante Detain, Torture Principal and VP

Published

6 days ago

June 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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‎Anambra state government has ordered closure of Community Secondary School Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area following alleged unlawful arrest, torture and detention of Principal and Vice Principal of the school by Vigilantee group of the community.
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‎The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh who gave the directive said the school would remain closed until safety of the Principals, staff and students of the school were fully guaranteed.
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‎“The closure follows disturbing report of the unlawful arrest, torture and detaining of the Principal and Vice Principal of Community Secondary School Awor-Ezimuzor, Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area, without food, water and toilet facilities for three days by the Vigilantee group of the community.
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‎“The closure is to ensure security and safety of the students who are already traumatized by the development, even while writing their Basic Education Certificate Examination and West African School Certificate Examination
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‎“This directive will remain effective until the safety of the Principal, staff, and students is fully guaranteed.

Education

London School Of Economics Dismisses 71-Year-Old UK-Based Nigerian Cleaner After Accusing Her Of Theft

Published

6 days ago

June 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

According to Metro UK, which reported the case on Thursday, Damiro moved to the United Kingdom from Nigeria in 1971 and had worked at LSE for 13 years.

Janet Olufunke Damiro, a 71-year-old Nigerian grandmother, has been dismissed from her cleaning job at the London School of Economics after being accused of stealing a bracelet — an item she says she simply forgot to hand in.

According to Metro UK, which reported the case on Thursday, Damiro moved to the United Kingdom from Nigeria in 1971 and had worked at LSE for 13 years.

She explained that she found a gold bracelet during her shift and placed it in her purse, intending to hand it in later.

When questioned by management three days later, she returned the bracelet but was still suspended and eventually dismissed in April for gross misconduct.

“I can’t sleep. I have never had a bad record or been to HR before in my life,” Damiro said. “LSE have treated me really badly. It was my only job, and I loved working there. I never expected to be suspended or dismissed.

I did not steal this thing. If I see any items, I always hand them over. This is the first time in my life I have had a problem like this since I came to this country. It is really bugging me.”

Over 70 of her colleagues, including three supervisors, have written to the LSE management in support of her, insisting on her honesty and professionalism.

“Janet has always conducted herself with integrity and consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic,” their letter stated.

Her trade union, United Voices of the World (UVW), has appealed the dismissal and criticised how the university handled the case. Speaking with UVW, Damiro said, “I don’t steal. I’m not a thief.

I’ve worked at LSE for over 10 years without any problems. I just forgot. At my age, you can forget like that. They look at me like I’m a thief.

It’s unfair. I’ve not been myself at all, I don’t sleep at night. I don’t have a job now, but I have to pay my rent and bills. Who’s going to employ me at this age?”

The university has declined to comment publicly, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

Meanwhile, LSE students have launched a petition calling for her reinstatement and describing the punishment as “deeply disturbing” for what they believe was a “minor mistake.”

An appeal hearing initially scheduled for 22 May was postponed, with a new date now set for later in June.