The management of Northwest University Kano (NWUK) has set up an investigative committee to probe allegations of sexual harassment against one of its lecturers, Dr Nasa’I Muhammad-Gwadabe, following the circulation of a viral video on social media.
The university said it was treating the allegations with utmost seriousness and assured the public that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken if the claims were confirmed.
The decision was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the Head of the university’s Public Relations Unit, Abubakar Ibrahim.
According to the statement, the university constituted the committee after a video surfaced online alleging that the lecturer attempted to sexually harass a female student of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), also located in Kano.
The video, which has attracted widespread attention on social media, sparked public reactions and renewed concerns over allegations of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Although the university did not provide details of the incident, it said the allegations were serious enough to require a thorough investigation.
“The management viewed the allegations with serious concern and reiterated that it will not condone any form of sexual harassment, abuse or misconduct by its staff or students, irrespective of where such acts were alleged to have occurred,” the statement said.
The university explained that the committee has been given the responsibility of investigating the circumstances surrounding the allegations, determining the facts and submitting its findings to the management.
According to the statement, the investigation will be conducted in line with the university’s procedures to ensure fairness to all parties involved.
“The committee has been mandated to thoroughly investigate the allegations, establish the facts surrounding the incident and submit its findings to the university management,” it stated.
The management assured students, staff and members of the public that any decision taken after the investigation would strictly follow the university’s rules and regulations.
It stressed that no one would be shielded from disciplinary action if found guilty of misconduct.
“The management wishes to emphasise that appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the university’s rules and regulations if the allegations are substantiated after the investigation,” the statement added.
The university also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct among members of its academic and non-academic staff.
It said protecting students from abuse and ensuring a safe learning environment remained one of its top priorities.
According to the management, the investigation will be transparent and guided by the principles of fairness and justice.
It urged members of the public to avoid speculation or making conclusions before the committee completes its assignment.
The university appealed for calm, saying the ongoing investigation should be allowed to proceed without interference.
“It also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid speculations and allow the investigative process to run its course,” the statement said.
The case has generated widespread discussion on social media, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation and justice for anyone found to have been wronged.
Sexual harassment has remained a major concern in many Nigerian higher institutions over the years.
Several universities have introduced policies aimed at preventing harassment and protecting students, while also establishing disciplinary procedures for handling complaints against staff and students.
Many institutions now operate anti-sexual harassment policies that encourage victims to report incidents without fear of intimidation or victimisation.
In recent years, allegations of sexual harassment in universities have led to the suspension, dismissal and prosecution of some lecturers after investigations established evidence of misconduct.
The issue has also attracted the attention of the National Assembly, which has at different times considered legislative measures to strengthen the fight against sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.
The latest case involving Northwest University Kano has again highlighted the need for universities to maintain effective mechanisms for addressing complaints and protecting the rights of both complainants and accused persons during investigations.
While the allegations against Dr Nasa’I Muhammad-Gwadabe are yet to be established, the university’s decision to set up an investigative panel reflects its commitment to examining the matter through its internal disciplinary process.
The outcome of the committee’s investigation is expected to determine the next steps to be taken by the university.