Editorial: Incessant Sex Scandals at UNIZIK and the ‘Professional Call Girls’ Question

By Tony Okafor

The latest alleged sexual misconduct scandal at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, is disturbing and should compel the university management to look beyond the immediate incident and investigate the circumstances surrounding it to the root.

Management deserves commendation for ordering a comprehensive and impartial investigation after a viral video showed students assaulting a lecturer of the Department of Chinese Studies following an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a female student.

But the investigation must establish the truth, not merely respond to public outrage. Was there actually an attempt to sexually molest the student? What happened before the confrontation? Were there witnesses or previous complaints? And why did students resort to violence instead of using established channels for reporting grievances?

It is equally important to stress that not every lecturer accused of sexual misconduct is necessarily guilty. An allegation remains an allegation until established by preponderance of credible evidence.

Where a lecturer is found to have sexually exploited or harassed a student, appropriate disciplinary and, where necessary, legal action should follow. But an innocent lecturer must not be convicted by social media.

The university must, however, also examine the broader culture within the institution, including the conduct of students. Admission into a university carries not only academic responsibilities but also expectations of character, discipline and respect for the rights of others.

The circumstances surrounding the latest incident, including the student’s public reaction and the subsequent mob action, deserve careful examination.

It is not a natural occurrence for a well-cultured young woman to rush into public shouting that she has been sexually molested or raped. Such boldness is uncommon and may point to circumstances beyond what the lens recorded, or to motives beyond the allegation itself.

This should not be interpreted as a dismissal of genuine victims, but it underscores the need to examine every allegation carefully, impartially and in its full context.

The resort to mob action is equally troubling. It points to a breakdown of trust in established channels for reporting grievances and resolving disputes. No matter how serious an allegation may be, students must not be allowed to become judge, jury and executioner.

Such incidents point to deeper questions about trust, communication and the effectiveness of the university’s mechanisms for handling complaints.

There have also been persistent allegations in university communities of students engaging in commercial sexual activities and, in some cases, allegedly using such activities as a reason to prolong their stay in school.

These claims must not be treated as established facts or used to stigmatise female students. But neither should the university shy away from investigating credible reports of conduct that violates its rules or the law.

The same standard must apply to lecturers and students alike. No lecturer should exploit a student’s vulnerability, and no student should be permitted to fabricate allegations, blackmail, extort or mobilise violence against a lecturer.

Above all, UNIZIK must strengthen confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms, ensure that complaints are promptly investigated, protect complainants from retaliation, and discourage students from taking the law into their own hands.

Sexual harassment must not be tolerated. False allegations, blackmail and jungle justice must not be tolerated either.

Such circumstances require truth, fairness and discipline—not trial by social media.

Where lecturers are found culpable, let them be disciplined or dismissed through due process. Where students are found to have seriously violated university rules or the law, let them equally face the consequences.

The latest scandal should therefore be treated not merely as another controversy to be managed, but as an opportunity for the university to examine its systems, restore confidence and ensure that justice is done.

The investigation must go to the root.