University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT has launched new policy against sexual harassment where amorous hugging between lecturers and female students is now an offence.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ndowa E.S at the launch of the policy held at Ebitime Banigo hall said it was necessary to raise the bar on sexual harassment to ensure that young men and women put in charge of lecturers are protected, especially from antics of sexual predators who use their high placed authority to blackmail their unwilling students or sub-staff into granting them sexual favours.
He said the management of the university in the policy document defined the rules of engagement in terms of the acceptable of engagement between lecturers, administrators and students, including visitors.
Prof. Ndowa vowed that strict sanctions would be meted to earring members of staff but there will be a robust in built checks and balance to protect those who are innocently accused.
He added any person accused would be presumed guilty until proved otherwise in a fair hearing and same goes for any students who would sexually abuse a lecturer because of an undeserving grades, they should all be ready to dance to the music.