The University of Port Harcourt has launched an investigation into an alleged case of sexual assault involving a lecturer and a female student of the institution.
Earlier, it was reported that a lecturer of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures had sexually assaulted a year-one female student of the institution.
The lecturer reportedly committed the act at the student’s off-campus residence at Aluu in Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State during a visit, where he was reportedly pounced on by some aggrieved students after the girl raised an alarm.
However, the suspect was reported to have claimed that he was beaten by kidnappers.
The school management in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Sam Kpenu said a case of assault was reported by a lecturer in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures against a female student in the same department of the university.
Kpenu’s statement read, “This is to inform the public that a case of assault was reported by a Lecturer in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures against a female student in same Department of the University.
“The management wishes to confirm that it has received such complaint, which is currently being investigated by the appropriate authorities. The findings would be made public in no distant time”.
“Members of the public are, therefore, enjoined to remain calm as the institution will spare no effort to deal decisively with anyone found culpable in line with the policy document on sexual harassment of the University which is made available to all staff and students.
“The management wishes to reiterate that it welcomes inquiries as the institution runs an open-door policy and wishes to thank members of the public for their continued faith in the Institution and for believing in it as socially responsible.
“The university will continue to promote love, excellence, integrity and accountability in all it does and will never harbour staff nor students with questionable character”.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign has called on the management of the institution to thoroughly investigate the case.
The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Prince Wiro, urged the university to give a fair hearing to parties involved as some other reports from coursemates of the student who spoke to them alleged that the lecturer was beaten when he attempted to sexually assault the student in her room at Aluu during a visit.
While reassuring their belief in the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution to uphold justice, urged the university to ensure that witnesses of the lecturer and the female student are considered and allowed to make voluntary statements at the panel investigating the case.
