The Kogi State Government has taken decisive action against lecturers at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, accused of sexual harassment of students. The Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Students Affairs, Isah Emmanuel Ojodunwene, disclosed this during a one-day meeting organized by the Ministry of Education to address the adoption of the anti-sexual harassment policy in tertiary institutions across Kogi State.
Ojodunwene emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment, noting that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to addressing such misconduct. While he did not reveal the exact number or names of the lecturers involved, he confirmed that some lecturers had been sacked, while others are facing legal consequences, including imprisonment.
He referred to a recent tragic incident involving a 19-year-old female student at Federal University Lokoja, who was murdered by a 20-year-old male student for ritual purposes. The case highlights the vulnerability of students and the need for urgent measures to combat harassment and other forms of violence.
“Incidents of sexual harassment are prevalent in many institutions within the state, and we must act now before it is too late. Lecturers at Kogi State Polytechnic have been dismissed, and others are currently in prison for harassing innocent students,” Ojodunwene stated.
He urged the heads of all tertiary institutions in Kogi to adopt a tough stance on sexual harassment, aligning with Governor Ododo’s commitment to eliminating social vices and ensuring a safe environment for students.
Ojodunwene also encouraged students to speak up if they experience harassment, assuring them that there will be no stigmatization. “If students report such incidents, we can take action and remove those responsible from our institutions. Even married individuals on campus should not hesitate to report harassment,” he added.
He concluded by reaffirming that the government will take firm legal action against any lecturer, regardless of rank, who is found guilty of harassing students, ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
