The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, has terminated the appointment of a lecturer, Mr Sunday Chinweike Ogbuka, after finding him guilty of sexually harassing a female student. The university said the decision reinforces its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct within the academic community.
Key Highlights
- SUMAS, Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, terminates the appointment of lecturer Sunday Chinweike Ogbuka.
- The university said Ogbuka was found guilty of sexually harassing a female student.
- Ogbuka taught in the Chemistry Unit of the Department of Physical Sciences.
- The university management approved the termination at a meeting held on September 8, 2026.
- SUMAS reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and staff misconduct.
- The institution urged staff and students to report misconduct through established channels.
- The university did not disclose the student’s identity or provide further details about the incident.
SUMAS Terminates Lecturer’s Appointment Over Sexual Harassment
The State University of Medical and Applied Sciences announced the decision in a statement signed by its Registrar, Dr A.U. Onah, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday.
According to the statement, the university management approved the termination of Ogbuka’s appointment during a meeting held on September 8, 2026.
Ogbuka was a lecturer in the Chemistry Unit of the Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences.
The university did not disclose the identity of the female student involved or provide details about the circumstances of the incident.
University Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy on Sexual Harassment
Explaining its decision, SUMAS said the disciplinary action reflected its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful academic environment.
The institution described sexual harassment as a serious violation of the standards expected of members of its community, warning that such conduct undermines the trust essential to professional relationships between lecturers and students.
It also stressed that academic positions carry responsibilities beyond teaching and research, including protecting, guiding and supporting students.
The university maintained that no member of staff was above its rules and regulations, adding that integrity, accountability, professionalism and respect for human dignity were central to its pursuit of academic excellence.
SUMAS Urges Staff and Students to Report Misconduct
The university management urged staff and students to familiarise themselves with institutional policies, maintain appropriate professional boundaries and report sexual harassment or other forms of misconduct through established channels.
It said complaints must be handled seriously while protecting confidentiality, respecting due process and preserving the dignity of all parties involved.
The institution also assured students, parents, guardians and other stakeholders that it would continue enforcing its regulations and imposing appropriate disciplinary measures where allegations of misconduct were established.
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University Vows to Protect Students
Reaffirming its position, SUMAS said sexual harassment had no place within the institution and pledged to maintain standards that protect students and preserve the credibility of its academic environment.
“Sexual harassment has no place in the University,” the statement said.
The termination highlights the importance of institutional policies and accountability mechanisms in addressing sexual harassment in higher education.
The university’s statement did not provide further information about the case, including whether additional disciplinary or legal proceedings were being considered.
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