Sponsored
An investigative video on BBC Africa Eye, indicting Dr Igbeneghu in sex for grade scandal went viral. In case you missed it: A BBC documentary, BBC Africa Eye has revealed a senior lecturer, Dr Boniface Igbeneghu, and former sub-dean in the Faculty of Art, University of Lagos, Akoka (UNILAG) made sensual advances towards an ‘assumed 17-year-old girl’ seeking admission in the prestigious university.
The lecturer, Dr Boniface Igbeneghu was reported in the video documentary to be the head pastor of a local Foursquare Gospel Church. The BBC journalist questioned current and past students of UNILAG for a period of nine months on the state of sexual abuse by lecturers in the school.
Boniface was picked as a prime subject following numbers of accusations levied by the students interviewed by the investigative journalists. BBC Africa Eye sent an undercover journalist to approach the lecturer claiming she is in need of admission.
The undercover journalist presented herself as being a 17-year-old secondary school graduate. 17-year-old is below the legal age of consent both in Lagos State and in the country. This means having a sexual relationship with a person of such age is classified as “child abuse” or better “child sexual abuse”.
Boniface Igbeneghu invited her to his office for a number of tutorials. As a safety measure, the decoy has a panic button with her that alerts her colleagues in case of any danger. “So sit down, how old are you?”
The lecturer was seen asking when the girl when she visited him in his office. When she replied 17-years-old, he said; “17? And you look very big like this? Don’t you know you are a beautiful girl? Do you know that? You are not beautiful, you’re very beautiful. “Do you know I am a Pastor? Do you know, and I’m in my fifties.
What will shock you is that, even at my age now, “If I want a girl of your age, a 17-year-old, all I need is to sweet tongue [talk] her and put some money in her hand and I will get her.”
In the second meeting with the student, Dr Boniface assured her he would help concerning the admission. But towards the end of the meeting, he asked about her sex life.
Watch full video here
The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria has dissociated itself from the act of Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu, a UNILAG senior lecturer, Faculty of Arts, who is also the head pastor of the church branch in Lagos.
The church in a statement on Monday, October 7, asked the pastor to step down from all ministerial assignments.
The statement reads:
“The attention of the leadership of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria has been drawn to a video clip trending on social media platforms titled ‘Sex for grades: Undercover in West Africa Universities – BBC News’ wherein a lecturer in the University of Lagos named Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu also described as a pastor in Foursquare Gospel Church was allegedly involved in sexual misconduct with some female students of the University.“The general public is hereby informed that as a holiness and Bible-believing Church, we do not condone such heinous and unscriptural act among our ministers. We totally dissociate ourselves from the purported conduct of Dr. Igbeneghu and promise to take appropriate measures as soon as the ongoing investigation is concluded.“Meanwhile, the pastor in question has been asked to step down from all ministerial assignments.”
The University of Lagos Management today suspended Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu of the Department of European Languages and Integrated Studies, Faculty of Arts who was caught in a sting operation by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) titled “Sex for Grades”. The trending video chronicled cases of sexual harassment of female students by some lecturers in some West African Universities including University of Lagos.
Management at its emergency meeting of October 7, 2019 suspended Dr. Igbeneghu from work immediately and barred him from the University academic areas while the suspension subsists unless invited by a Panel constituted by the University to investigate the matter.
In addition to this, the University Management has ordered the shutdown of the Staff Club “Cold Room” mentioned in the documentary for further investigation. The so-called “Cold Room” is a Functions Room that may have been abused because this is a deviation from the purpose for which it was created (meetings, seminars, events, etc.).
The University assures members of the public that any other lecturer mentioned in the full version of the operation which is to be aired later today, will also be suspended to ensure a proper investigation is carried out.
The University is embarrassed and dissociates itself totally from this act(s) and any inappropriate behaviour of staff with female students and vice versa. The University has a well-articulated “Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual and Romantic Relationships”.
A copy of the University Sexual Harassment Policy was distributed to all members of staff and can also be obtained on the University website: https://unilag.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/SEXUAL-HARRASMENT-UNILAG-COMMUNICATION-UNITS.pdf
Various Committees over time have been set up to investigate reports received and those found guilty/culpable were sanctioned. To ensure our students are aware of the various opportunities for reporting any form of sexual harassment or misconduct towards them, the University organises an orientation programme for all new entrants sensitising them of the University’s zero-tolerance policy and acquainting them with the mechanisms for reporting.
The University Counselling Centre, Medical Centre and Division of Students’ Affairs amongst other organs have been well positioned to address complaints by students. These organs have cut off the bureaucracy limiting the effectiveness of the Policy, by the direct reporting system of these Centres to the Vice-Chancellor. The University encourages students who have evidence to come forward. They are assured of their anonymity and safety.
As a reputable Institution and one of the foremost Universities in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa, we are highly embarrassed by these allegations and we will do all that is necessary to ensure that this menace is checked in our institution.
The University of Lagos is committed to providing conducive and safe learning environment where future leaders are trained to take responsibilities for their action.
Mrs. Taiwo Oloyede
Principal Assistant Registrar (Communication Unit)
The so-called 'cold room' is a functions room that may have been abused because this is a deviation from the purpose for which it was created (meetings, seminars, events, etc.)
he University of Lagos has shut the ‘cold room’ lecturers were accused of using to sexually assault female students.
The Principal Assistant Registrar (Communication Unit) of the university, Taiwo Oloyede, announced in a statement yesterday.
“Management at its emergency meeting of October 7, 2019, suspended Dr. Igbeneghu from work immediately and barred him from the university academic areas while the suspension subsists unless invited by a panel constituted by the university to investigate the matter.
“In addition to this, the university management has ordered the shut down of the Staff Club 'cold room' mentioned in the documentary for further investigation. The so-called 'cold room' is a functions room that may have been abused because this is a deviation from the purpose for which it was created (meetings, seminars, events, etc.),” the statement said.
The ‘cold room’ was mentioned by a lecturer of the school, Boniface Igbeneghu, in a documentary filmed discretely by the BBC.
In the documentary, Igbeneghu described the room as a place lecturers meet to “touch students’ breasts” at the staff club of the university.
According to him, “nothing good comes free” and the ‘cold room’ experience is the price some female students have to pay to have good grades.
Meanwhile, just hours after the release of the documentary, the school’s Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Wale Babalakin, announced the suspension of Igbeneghu over allegations of sexual assault disclosed in the documentary.
He also noted that the university council would investigate the matter.
In the same vein, Igbeneghu has been suspended by the Foursquare Gospel Church where he is a part-time pastor.
Jubilation as Ugwuanyi inaugurates 8.8km Eha Amufu-Nkalagu road, abandoned over 36 years ago
…Reiterates commitment to rural development
There was jubilation in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State on Monday, as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi inaugurated the 8.8km reconstructed portion of Ikem-Eha Amufu-Nkalagu road, which was abandoned over 36 years ago.
The 8.8km road, which was reconstructed for the people of the agrarian community of Eha Amufu in Isi-Uzo L.G.A, is a gateway to the North through Obollo-Afor connecting Ebonyi State through Nkalagu and provides access to the Nigercem Factory at Nkalagu that used to be the mainstay of the economy and tourist attraction to the Eastern Nigeria.
The road is also one of the hitherto abandoned critical infrastructure and legacy projects in the rural areas, executed by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in line with its rural development policy.
Inaugurating the road, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that “this project is part of our deliberate efforts to provide critical infrastructure to the rural communities to improve the quality of life, ease evacuation of agricultural produce and facilitate market linkages, improve earnings amongst rural population, stimulate local commerce and ultimately reduce poverty while curtailing rural-urban migration”.
The governor, who maintained that “integrated rural development and inclusive governance are the major planks of our administration”, disclosed that “we have vigorously pursued these objectives through numerous strategic rural infrastructural interventions”.
Describing the road as one of the oldest Federal Roads in the country, built before the Nigerian Civil War, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was accompanied by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, his colleagues, and the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji, among others, revealed that it was last rehabilitated in 1981 by the administration of Senator Jim Nwobodo as Governor of old Anambra State.
Appreciating the jubilant mood of the people of the area who came out en masse to witness the event, the governor said: “We are encouraged by the happy faces of the people from communities in Eha Amufu and environs that we see here today. I congratulate you, the true heroes of democracy for you deserve this and even more”.
According to him, “your prayers and sincere support have been our major sources of strength and inspiration. We are in government to alleviate the sufferings of our people and we remain irrevocably committed to this mission”.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo L.G.A, Dr. Benjamin Edeoga, on behalf of the people of the council, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for remembering Eha Amufu community and its environs after over three decades of neglect, pointing out that “this road had been a death trap for the past 30 years and nobody had touched it until you came and rescued us”.
His words: “Your Excellency, our people are very happy because you have wiped away our tears. You have been addressing our plights. You are the David of our time. We have not seen it so good like this. It is when you came on board that this road that had been abandoned was asphalted. Thank you, Your Excellency, God will continue to strengthen you and bless you”.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, who is an indigene of the council, the Commissioner-nominee from the council, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the traditional rulers, and others, appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for the indelible footprints he has left in their area through the provision of legacy projects such as roads and inter-state bridges and appointments of their sons and daughters into sensitive government positions.
Enugu State is truly in the hands of God!
Buhari appoints Soludo, Salami, Sagagi, others on Economic Advisory Council.
Buhari dissolves Osinbajo led Economic Management Team.
Economic Council; Kalu lauds Buhari.
Buhari condemns attack on Saudi refineries, expresses Nigeria’s solidarity.
Buhari meets S’African envoys.
Xenophobia: We’re sorry - S’Africa tells Nigeria.
Obasanjo urges Nigeria, others to report S’Africa to AU as Ogun, Imo, Oyo top list of returnees.
NFIU clarifies request for account details of politically exposed persons.
Senate President, Speaker, CJN, not under investigation - NFIU.
We need more judges to handle over 116,623 pending cases, FHC Ag. CJ cries out.
Minister of State for Budget and National Planning accepts resignation of Co-founder of BudgIT, Mr. Seun Onigbinde.
I,723 contractors received N70bn without mobilizing to site - Reps.
Agric Ministry spends N9bn on ‘dilapidated’ HQ.
Federal secretariat: Civil servants’ ordeal with filth, waste, decay.
Doctors’ exodus now more alarming - NMA.
Minimum wage: JNPSNC, Reps of FG again fail to reach agreement - Scribe.
We’ll pay minimum wage - Buhari assures Nigerians.
Nigeria to fight corruption using technology - Ogbonnaya Onu.
No attack on Abuja-Kaduna train service.
Investment in healthcare, efficient resource utilization solution to Nigeria’s inequality- Gates.
Many cases still pending as election tribunals round off Sept 30.
Oil price hike: Nigeria to gain N1.3trn in 3 months.
SON adopts 10 standards to enhance operations in oil, gas.
AXA Mansard advocates healthy lifestyle.
Unregistered SIM cards drop to 2.4m.
Dangote tomato processing factory shut down again.
Govt asked to plug leakages instead of increasing VAT.
Recapitalization: Poor perception may wipe off benefits - Experts.
EcobankPay hits N2bn transactions value, 100,000 merchants onboarded.
Nigeria loses $600m annually to illegal fishing.
Tribunal verdict: My victory, triumph of truth over falsehood - Makinde.
Makinde to shut down illegal private schools in Oyo.
How Osun’s anniversary event put a lie to ’frosty relationship’ between Oyetola, Aregbesola.
Kidnapping m, banditry can be cancerous, consume Nigeria if... - Masari.
Zamfara Peace Dialogue: Bandits in Gummi LG agree to surrender arms.
UNICEF partners Bauchi to save malnourished kids.
Again gunmen kill community leader in fresh Plateau attack.
NECO withholds Niger results over debts.
Dethroned Emir emerges PDP Dy Chairman in Zamfara.
Boko Haram: Gov demands more protection for Maiduguri.
Kogi Deputy Gov Impeachment: Panel rejects fresh documents.
Kwara Gov orders refund of exam charges to principals, Vice Prinicpals.
Yobe retest to boost Agric, create jobs - Gov Buni.
Poor yield cripples food security in Nigeria - Nyako.
Biafra: I don’t know what IPOB is looking for till date - Rochas Okorocha.
Births, more deaths but no succor for IDP’s in Kishi Toro.
Benue man, Tarvershima Jebe, loses wife, 3 children in Nasarawa accident.
Police officer in charge of applicants’ screening dies in Sokoto.
Father rejects polio vaccine for failure to get free malaria drugs.
Buhari’s media aide, Adesina, threatens Punch Newspaper House reporter.
EFCC arrests banker for allegedly stealing N137m.
Singer, Dammy Krane, arraigned for threat to life.
Stabbed man provoked Ondo policeman to fight - CP.
Soldier, 4 others nabbed for killing police inspector.
Rivers Motel shut as serial killer strangled woman.
7-year-old Nigerian wonder kid aims to be world best.
Chimamanda Adichie’s book ’Americana’ picked for TV series.
Kevin Hart slammed with $60m sex-tape lawsuit.
10,000 Nigerian girl’s forced into prostitution in Burkina Faso - Ambassador.
Xenophobia: S’Africa cannot and will never be xenophobic- Ramaphosa.
Rwanda accuses Uganda of illegally detaining 200 of its citizens.
Saudi, Gulf stocks fall after attacks on Aramco oil plants.
UN urged to end 56 years’ US economic embargo on Cuba.
Okowa in cloud 9 as Delta wins 5th National Youth Games in Ilorin.
African players in Europe: Mane bags brace, Fati scores again.
Aurier committed to Spurs after failing in summer transfer bid.
Matic welcomes Man Utd focus on youth but wants game time.
2 Aston Villa’s players ‘fight’ during West Ham clash.
Bloodied fury survives severe cut to outpoint Sweden’s Wallin.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
