Unilag Lecturer Faces Probe After Alleged Assault Of 20-Year-Old Student Inside Office Sparks Public Outrage

 

A disturbing case has unsettled the University of Lagos community after a senior lecturer was accused of raping a 20-year-old undergraduate student. The allegation, which surfaced late August, has now drawn the attention of both the university administration and the Nigerian police, with investigations ongoing to establish the facts.

The lecturer, identified as Dr Samuel Ojogbo, reportedly assaulted the student on August 22, 2025, around midday within his office on the university’s main campus. According to the victim, what was supposed to be an academic consultation turned into a harrowing ordeal when she was allegedly overpowered and sexually violated. After the incident, she was said to have sought urgent medical care at a nearby hospital where she received treatment.

Reports indicate that the student, a 300-level undergraduate, formally lodged a complaint with the police on August 28, 2025, six days after the incident. Her statement to law enforcement officers detailed her account of what transpired in the lecturer’s office and the trauma she suffered as a result. The Lagos State Police Command has since confirmed that the case is under active investigation, promising that every piece of evidence will be thoroughly examined.

The University of Lagos, known for its strong academic standing, has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. In a statement released through Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, Head of the university’s Communication Unit, the institution confirmed that the matter was officially reported and is now being investigated by both internal and external authorities. According to Alaga-Ibraheem, the university has set up an investigative panel tasked with reviewing the claims and producing a report that will be made public once concluded.

The university further noted that its Safeguarding Centre, an office responsible for addressing issues of student welfare and misconduct, has been providing immediate support to the survivor. This includes counselling sessions to help her navigate the psychological distress brought about by the incident. The administration emphasized its commitment to upholding a safe environment where learning can take place without fear of harassment or abuse.

“The University of Lagos remains committed to a safe and supportive environment for all students. A thorough investigation will be carried out, and justice will be ensured,” Alaga-Ibraheem assured in her statement. She also urged members of the university community to make use of established reporting channels to bring forward any cases of misconduct, stressing the institution’s zero tolerance policy toward sexual harassment.

This case has sparked public outrage, with conversations spilling over to social media platforms where concerned Nigerians are calling for transparency and accountability. Many students and alumni expressed anger over the alleged abuse of power, pointing out that lecturers hold positions of authority that should never be used to exploit vulnerable students. Advocacy groups focused on gender rights have also begun weighing in, demanding that the university and police pursue the matter diligently without fear or favor.

Legal experts suggest that if the investigation confirms the allegations, Dr Ojogbo could face criminal charges under Nigeria’s laws prohibiting sexual assault and rape. Beyond legal penalties, the lecturer could also face dismissal from his position at the university, as such allegations directly violate academic ethics and professional codes of conduct.

Sexual misconduct within higher institutions has long been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with many students previously speaking out about harassment but often fearing reprisal or being silenced by cultural stigma. This latest case underscores the urgent need for stronger protective systems and accountability frameworks within universities to ensure students feel safe when engaging with academic staff.

Observers note that the university’s decision to establish a dedicated Safeguarding Centre was a step in the right direction, yet incidents like this highlight that much more work needs to be done. Stakeholders argue that preventive measures, including training, awareness campaigns, and strict penalties for offenders, are critical in fostering safer academic environments.

The police have not released further details of their ongoing probe, though sources suggest that statements from the student, medical reports, and possible witnesses will form part of the evidence being considered. The Lagos State Command has assured the public that the case will be handled with the seriousness it deserves.

Students and staff alike are watching closely to see how this matter unfolds, as its resolution could set an important precedent for how sexual misconduct allegations are handled within Nigerian universities. For many, the hope is that the truth will be established quickly and justice delivered without compromise.