The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, has suspended a lecturer of the Department of Management and Accounting, Professor Richard Akindele, indefinitely.
The suspension is coming after a leaked audio conversation between the lecturer and a student that went viral two weeks ago.
In the discussion, the Professor was demanding to have sex with the student five times before he would upgrade her mark from 33 to a pass mark.
Not long after the scandal leaked, authorities of the institution set up an investigative committee to critically look into the matter and submit its findings.
“The Committee observed that a prima facie case of inappropriate relationship with the female student had been established against Professor Richard I. Akindele,” the VC said on Wednesday. “The Vice-Chancellor, having carefully and dispassionately considered the report, also concluded that a prima facie case of serious misconduct had been established.”
Authorities of the institution wielded a big stick on one of their own after investigations found him culpable.
“Having regard to the gravity of the offence for which Professor Richard I. Akindele is found to be prima facie liable, the Vice-Chancellor, in line with the Code of Conduct for the University Community and acting under all the laws and regulations of the University enabling him in that regard, has directed that Professor Richard I. Akindele be suspended forthwith from the University, pending the final determination of the disciplinary case against him.”
The VC also reiterated his commitment to zero tolerance for sexual harassment, intimidation and, or coercion.
According to him, the decision was meant to serve as a deterrent to others and not to make anyone an object of ridicule.