By UNIVERSITY and polytechnic lecturers with no future and clear-cut ambition in life can continue their pastime of sexually harassing students, extorting money from them via sale of handouts, forcing project topics and writing for them in exchange for money.
Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri
This was the damning verdict of Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, during the institution’s maiden colloquium, themed “Keeping Our Pride High, Avoiding the Pitfall: Prospects for Our Polytechnic Lecturers,” held at the Chief James Onanefe Ibori Auditorium.
The ace broadcaster and esteemed alumnus of Nigeria’s premier university, the University of Ibadan, asserted that lecturers/teachers, as role models, should never engage in unethical practices like extorting students for academic grades.
He described such degrading malfeasances as “intellectual Haram.”
“The very best of the best are lecturers. Once you are called a lecturer or teacher, you’re the best.
“I don’t collect money from students. Those who do never go far in life. Selecting and writing projects for students is wrong—it’s intellectual haram,” he declared while addressing issues like “blocking,” indecent dressing, and academic misconduct.
The guest lecturer, Prof Akpoveta and other members of staff of the institution
Not done, Professor Ufuophu-Biri further criticised male lecturers who pursue female students for libidinal gratification, branding them as failures.
“If you are a man chasing girls, you’ve failed because women naturally chase after successful men.
Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri
“If Regina Daniels were selling bread on the streets, would Ned Nwoko have pursued her for marriage? Yes, he could do that for beauty.
“But if Ned were a roadside petrol hawker, would Regina Daniels have agreed to marry him?” he asked, eliciting a resounding “No!” from the students.
Professor Emmanuel Akpoveta (middle)
The colloquium’s guest lecturer, Dr Emmanuel Akpoveta, who’s the Dean of the School of ICT, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, called for an end to the marginalisation of polytechnic lecturers. He urged them to shun greed and avarice, which he identified as key pitfalls in academia.
During the discussion panel, various aspects of the colloquium’s theme were further examined and dissected while students were availed the opportunity to ask questions.
Dr. Samuel Ogbogu, Dr. J. U Nana, Dr. Henry Obeh, Regards, Rev. Father Jesuovie Ogagavwodia, Mrs. O. Odijie.
The panellists—Dr Samuel Ogbogu, Dr J. U. Nana, Dr Henry Obeh Regards, Rev. Father Jesuovie Ogagavwodia, and Mrs O. Odijie—all condemned sexual harassment by both lecturers and students.
Mrs Odijie reminded lecturers and students that they are the institution’s image-makers and should avoid any misconduct that could tarnish its reputation.
Dignitaries
Other dignitaries present included the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari (represented by Dr Emoefe Okpimah); Chairman of the Governing Council, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Hon. Andrew Orugbo; the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, Orefe III (represented by Chief Frank Emiko); and the Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Conflict Resolution, Chief Okakuro Ewhere Duncan Oghenochuko.
In his remarks, Chief Oghenochuko commended the peace and tranquillity on campus, attributing it to the ambience and mien of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as he paddles the state onto infrastructural renaissance.
Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri
Condemning the practice of forcing students to buy handouts and promoting “blocking,” he revealed that the state government would soon begin monitoring lecturers’ conduct in higher institutions.
Stonix News reports that “blocking” is the ignoble act of bribing lecturers to pass exams by lazy and unserious students.
Chief Oghenochuko urged students to value their dignity and maximise their time in school, affirming that “polytechnic students are better placed.”
Students and staff of the institution at the event
On his part, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari, represented by Dr Emoefe Okpimah, praised the Rector, Prof Ufuophu-Biri, for his outstanding leadership and facelift of the institution in a short time.
He described Ufuophu-Biri as a “digital rector” committed to raising academic standards, adding that the state government was working on education grants for polytechnics and colleges of education as it’s done universities.
Students and staff of the institution at the event
Regarding indecent dressing and sexual harassment, the commissioner urged the institution’s authorities to take decisive action, suggesting that faculties could adopt uniforms, as seen in some universities.
He also condemned the unethical practice of lecturers setting exam questions on untaught topics, forcing project topics on students, and demanding payment for research, describing such actions as immoral.
Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri with other dignitaries at the high table
The colloquium provided a congenial atmosphere for the students, their lecturers and other non-teaching staff to rub minds, thereby enhancing harmony, reducing tension and dissuading any breeding unrest on campus.
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