The management of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has distanced the institution from a viral video circulating on social media alleging the involvement of one of its lecturers in a sex-related scandal, insisting that preliminary findings showed the individual featured in the footage is not a member of the university’s academic staff.
The clarification followed widespread circulation of the video across various social media platforms, where users claimed that a UNIZIK lecturer had been caught in a compromising situation with a female student. The incident generated intense public reactions and renewed conversations about sexual misconduct within tertiary institutions.
Reacting to the development, the university said it immediately reviewed the allegations after the video gained public attention and found no evidence linking any member of its academic staff to the incident. The institution urged members of the public to disregard the claims, describing them as misleading and capable of damaging the reputation of innocent individuals and the university.
Speaking on the matter, the Acting Head of Information, Public Relations and Protocol of the university, Njelita Louis, emphasised that UNIZIK maintains a firm stance against sexual harassment and all forms of misconduct. He noted that “we have a sexual harassment committee headed by a professor and UNIZIK is very strict when it comes to protecting students. If there is any complaint against any lecturer, the university has an established procedure for handling such matters.”
The university explained that allegations involving staff members are never treated lightly, stressing that every complaint is subjected to due process through established disciplinary channels. According to the management, maintaining a safe academic environment remains a priority, and any individual found guilty of misconduct after proper investigation would face appropriate sanctions in line with the institution’s regulations.
UNIZIK also appealed to social media users and the general public to verify information before sharing it online, warning that the spread of unverified content could unfairly tarnish reputations and undermine public confidence in higher education institutions.
The development comes at a time when Nigerian universities are strengthening institutional mechanisms to address issues relating to sexual harassment, student welfare and ethical conduct. Many institutions have established dedicated committees and reporting channels to encourage victims to report cases while ensuring fair and transparent investigations.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to promoting an academic environment founded on discipline, professionalism and mutual respect, maintaining that protecting the rights and dignity of both students and staff remains central to its core values. It further assured students, parents and other members of the university community that it would continue to uphold high ethical standards while responding promptly to allegations capable of affecting the integrity of the institution.
