The federal government is “deeply concerned” about allegations of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, says Abubakar Malami, attorney general of the federation.
Malami voiced the concern on Tuesday at the 5th national conference of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in Umaru Waziri Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, Sokoto.
The minister was represented by Muhammad Isah of the faculty of law, Bayero University, Kano.
“Government is worried and deeply concerned about allegations of sexual harassment of students, the monetisation of marks and degrees and absence of due process in the award of contracts by Polytechnic Governing Councils, provosts and other administrators, among other allegations.
“Addressing these issues will in no doubt retain the relevance of ASUP within the educational sector,” he said.
The minister enjoined ASUP to take a leading role in addressing the issues through positive actions and advocacy.
He noted that the union must support the government’s fight against corruption in all sectors.
“The future of our dear country depends on the quality of education we can offer to our children,” he added.
Twelve lecturers of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo, were recently dismissed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for giving undergraduates high grades in exchange for sex.
Masa’udu Kazaure, executive secretary of the board, announced the lecturers’ dismissal last Thursday at a news conference in Kaduna.
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