Two Years After Sex-For-Grades Scandal Institution Dismisses Two Professors Involved

The involvement of two professors of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in the sex-for-grades scandal has finally led to their dismissal.

A documentary by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) captured the problematic culture seen in colleges in Africa. From securing admission to getting good grades, male professors target female students, some underage, the documentary revealed. Based on the documentary and findings of an investigation Boniface Igbeneghu and Samuel Omoniyi Oladipo have been fired.

The BBC Africa Eye's year-long investigation was initiated following reports of university professors grooming female pupils and sexually assaulting them. Reporters conducted an undercover operation to gather information and proof of the alleged sex-for-grades system. The reporters posing as students gathered video evidence of the sexual misconduct of male professors at UNILAG and the University of Ghana.

A reporter pretending to be a 17-year-old college aspirant approached Igbeneghu at the church where he was a pastor. She told the man that she had lost her father and wanted to get admission at UNILAG. The professor of European Languages and Integration Studies, Faculty of Arts offered to tutor the girl. She met with the professor on several occasions during which he spoke about her sexual activity as well as how other professors used the staff club to make out with students.

Another reported who was a part of the investigation was approached by Oladipo. He mistook her for a student. The reporter pretended that she wanted to transfer to his department. The professor of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences met with the reporter multiple times and even took her to the notorious staff club. Hidden camera footage captured how both the professors denied the existence of rules against dating students they had influence over.

Since the documentary was released, the professors faced an investigation. The two men were suspended, BBC reported in October 2019. On Monday, May 31 the two faculty members were officially dismissed from the university, Premium Times reported. A Senate Committee was set up by the university. A source indicated that the Senate recommended dismissal of Igbeneghu but a three-year suspension for Oladipo. However, in line with section 18 of the University of Lagos Act 1967 the two men were dismissed.

The dismissals came as a relief for the victims, students and families. The University will be reviewing its sexual harassment policy to protect its students.