President Muhammadu Buhari has asked tertiary institutions to emulate Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife-Ife in the way they deal with lecturers that are involved in the sexual harassment of students.
Buhari stated this on Saturday in Ile-Ife at the 46th convocation of the university.
The President said that the destiny of promising young girls in tertiary institutions across the country could not be left in the hands of randy people who camouflage themselves as lecturers.
He lauded the management of OAU for their handling of sexual and other related offences decisively without minding the individuals involved.
Buhari who was represented by Dr. Abiodun Saliu, the Director of Academic Planning, National Universities Commission, NUC, stated that the Federal Government had made provision for N470b in the 2023 budget to tackle the incessant strikes experienced in tertiary institutions.
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He said the funds were supposed to be used to for salary enhancement and revitalization, soliciting support in funding tertiary education in the country.
He said, “I will be failing in my duty as Visitor if I do not commend the Council and Management of this great citadel of learning for dealing, very decisively, with cases of sexual harassment.
“In fact, this university deserves commendation on the way and manner it is tackling sexual and other related harassments headlong without minding whose ox is gored.
“I want other institutions of higher learning to emulate OAU in summarily terminating the appointment or dismissing any lecturer who uses or is using his advantageous position to sexually harass our young, unassuming, innocent, and impressionable girls.
“We cannot continue to entrust the lives of our promising young girls into the hands of some sexually reckless individuals who are masquerading as lecturers on our campuses.”
Source: Punch