A disturbing allegation has rocked the University of Lagos (UNILAG) after a 20-year-old female student accused Dr. Samuel Ojogbo, a UNILAG lecturer at the institution, of sexually assaulting her in his office.
This case exposes deep-rooted issues of power abuse and campus safety, igniting widespread debate across Nigeria’s academic and social spheres.
The Allegation: A Shocking Account from a 300-Level Student
According to reports from The Guardian, the incident took place on August 22, 2025, around midday.
The unnamed student in her third year at UNILAG said she was invited into Dr. Ojogbo’s office where he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her against her will.
The student reported the assault to the police on August 28, 2025.
She was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and evidence collection.
This step was crucial in preserving her case for legal and institutional proceedings.
UNILAG’s Official Response: Acknowledgment and Investigation
The University of Lagos management confirmed awareness of the allegation involving the lecturer.
The administration revealed that the case had been promptly reported to police authorities.
Additionally, the university’s Safeguarding Centre has been activated to provide emotional and psychological support to the victim.
Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, Head of the Communication Unit at UNILAG, emphasized that the institution has established a panel to investigate the claim.
She pledged transparency, promising that the panel’s findings would be publicly released once available.
Institutional Accountability or Damage Control?
UNILAG’s reaction highlights the university’s attempt to showcase a commitment to justice and student welfare.
However, skeptics argue that such declarations often serve as public relations maneuvers rather than genuine efforts to confront systemic issues of harassment and abuse.
The university is under pressure to ensure that the process is thorough and impartial.
The wider academic community is watching closely to see if justice prevails or if institutional protectionism shields accused staff members.
Power Dynamics and Abuse in Academic Environments
This case draws attention to the dangerous imbalance of power between lecturers and students.
Authority figures like Dr. Ojogbo, the lecturer involve wield significant influence over students’ academic careers, creating an environment ripe for exploitation.
Many Nigerian universities have faced criticism for inadequate mechanisms to prevent and address sexual misconduct.
Victims often fear reprisal or stigmatization, deterring them from filing complaints.
Adequate safeguarding policies and enforcement remain critical but frequently fall short in practice.
Voices from the Campus: Fear, Silence, and Demand for Change
Students and activists have reacted with outrage and calls for reform.
Some students express fear that reporting abuse could endanger their academic futures or lead to social isolation.
Others demand transparent investigations and harsher penalties for perpetrators.
Social media platforms have erupted with hashtags supporting the victim and demanding accountability from UNILAG and Nigerian universities broadly.
The Role of Nigerian Law Enforcement and Institutions
The involvement of police in this case highlights the crucial role of external agencies in cases of sexual violence, especially when university administrations are suspected of conflicts of interest.
However, critics caution that law enforcement agencies in Nigeria often struggle with resource constraints, victim sensitivity, and corruption.
Ensuring victims receive timely justice remains a challenge in such contexts.
What Must Change: Towards Safer Nigerian Campuses
Universities must implement accessible and confidential reporting channels, victim support systems, and mandatory training for staff on sexual harassment prevention.
Legislative frameworks protecting students against abuse need strengthening, coupled with accountability measures to punish offenders effectively.
Empowering student unions and civil society groups to advocate for victims can also catalyze cultural transformation.
Justice and Reform Must Prevail
The allegation against the lecturer Dr. Samuel Ojogbo is a painful reminder of the unchecked abuses potentially festering within Nigerian universities.
As UNILAG pledges investigation and support, the public demands more than promises real action must follow.
This case should serve as a catalyst for nationwide reforms to dismantle harmful power structures, protect students, and foster environments where academic pursuit is free from fear and exploitation.
At WahalaUpdate, we will continue to track this story closely, spotlight institutional accountability, and amplify voices calling for justice and meaningful change in Nigeria’s academic institutions.
Stay informed with WahalaUpdate for further developments on this and other critical issues affecting Nigerian youth and education.
