Ekiti varsity lecturer protests dismissal over sexual harassment of student

Following his dismissal by the management of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) Ado-Ekiti over alleged sexual harassment of a female student of the institution, Mr Olola Aduwo has accused the management of bias over his sack.

It will be recalled that Aduwo, a lecturer in the Accounting department was captured in a video that went viral a few months ago being molested for sexually harassing a female student.

Three weeks ago, Mr Bode Olofinmuagun, Head, Directorate of Information & Corporate Affairs, said the Council took the decision to dismiss the lecturer at its meeting following recommendations from the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee (Academic). He added that the lecturer admitted to the allegations against him, saying the dismissal takes effect from 7th October 2019.

However, the embattled lecturer in a statement made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Monday denied admitting to the crime as alleged by the management.

He noted that the management was out to tarnish his hard-earned image, challenging the panel to release the video clips of the proceedings where he allegedly confessed to the offence.

Aduwo said, ” I want to state abundantly clear that at no point in time during my appearance before the panel did I confirm that I’m guilty or admitted to the allegations of sexual harassment against my person. I did not at any time confirm any authentication of the preliminary report of the panel.

” In fact, I want to state categorically clear that the panellist was not only biased in their conduct but have a calculated attempt to discredit my image and bring my reputation into disrepute.

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“It is disappointing that a notable university like EKSU will descend so low to this level of character assassination and palpable falsehood. The proceeding at the trial was video recorded and a copy of the video clip is with the university. I challenge the university to produce a copy of the video clip and show where I admitted committing the alleged offence.

” In the initial press statement made by the university; the university falsely stated that I lured the said lady to a hotel where the alleged sexual harassment took place. Whereas, the said lady burst into my house with the police and other miscreants when I was with a friend to frame me up. All the investigations made in the university pointed to the fact that I wasn’t culpable and that I never harass or intimidate any student at any time

” I did not commit any sexual harassment/ intimidation on the student as alleged or to any other students in the University at any time in all my service years in the University as a Lecturer. I have always carried out my duties diligently and in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations of the University.”

He added that his legal team had been contacted in a bid to challenge his dismissal in the court, assuring he would be vindicated by the judiciary.

” The decisions of the University Council and the management is not acceptable to me because it’s a ploy to smear my image and I have already contacted my legal team to challenge my unjust dismissal from the university and I’m very sure that I will get justice and bring my accusers to shame.

” In fact, I have sued the students at the centre of this gross violation of my fundamental rights and they will be brought to book soon,” he concluded.