The university announced the decision in a statement signed by its Registrar, Dr A.U. Onah, which was obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday.
According to the statement, the termination was approved at a management meeting held on September 8, 2026.
Ogbuka was a lecturer in the Chemistry Unit of the Department of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences. The university did not disclose the identity of the student involved or provide specific details of the incident.
The institution said the decision reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct within the university community.
It stressed that protecting students’ rights, dignity and welfare remained a priority, adding that every student should be able to pursue academic activities in an environment free from intimidation, exploitation and harassment.
“SUMAS considers sexual harassment a serious violation of the standards of conduct expected of members of the university community,” the statement said.
The university explained that sexual harassment undermines the trust required in staff-student relationships and conflicts with its core values of integrity, professionalism, discipline and respect for human dignity.
University Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy
Management emphasised that no member of staff was above the university’s rules and regulations, noting that academic positions carry responsibilities that include protecting, guiding and supporting students.
The institution urged lecturers and other employees to maintain appropriate professional boundaries in their dealings with students and comply with established policies governing conduct within the university.
It also encouraged students and staff to familiarise themselves with relevant regulations and report incidents of sexual harassment or other misconduct through the appropriate institutional channels.
According to the statement, complaints must be treated seriously, with due regard for confidentiality, due process and the dignity of everyone involved.
The university further assured students, parents, guardians and other stakeholders that it would continue to enforce its regulations and take appropriate disciplinary action in cases where misconduct had been established.
Commitment to a Safe Academic Environment
The dismissal comes amid broader concerns about sexual harassment in educational institutions and the responsibility of universities to protect students from abuse of authority.
Lecturers occupy positions of trust and influence in academic settings, making professional boundaries and accountability essential to maintaining a safe environment for teaching, learning and research.
Universities are expected to establish effective reporting mechanisms, investigate complaints fairly and ensure that students can raise concerns without fear of intimidation or retaliation.
SUMAS said it remained committed to upholding these standards and protecting the integrity of its academic community.
“At SUMAS, academic excellence must go hand in hand with integrity, accountability and respect for human dignity. Sexual harassment has no place in the University, and the institution will continue to uphold the standards necessary to protect its students and preserve the integrity of its academic community,” the statement added.
The university’s announcement underscores its stated position that academic achievement must be supported by ethical conduct, respect for students and accountability for violations of institutional rules.
