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Sex for marks: OAU sacks Prof Richard Akindele

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OAU

The Governing Council of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife has dismissed Prof Richard Akindele for sexually harassing Ms Monica Osagie, a student of the university.

The Council announced his dismissal at its meeting yesterday following the recommendation of the university Senate on June 20, 2018.

The Senate had considered the report of the committee set up to investigate the allegations of sexual misconduct and established that Osagie was truly sexually harassed by Akindele.

In its report to the Council, the Senate noted that:

“Professor Akindele had an inappropriate relationship with his student Miss Osagie.  This was established through their conversation in the audio recording; his reply to the query; the oral evidence; and the printed ‘WhatsApp conversations’ tendered before the Committee.

“He had acted in a manner that is seen to have compromised his position as a teacher and examiner, in that, his conversations with Miss Osagie were about examination scores and inducement of favour for the alteration of examination scores.

Miss Monica Osagie, a student in the Masters of Business programme, had released a recorded telephone conversation, which went viral, in which the lecturer identified as Akindele  demanded five rounds of sex to enhance her marks.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede said that the University Senate at its meeting on June 14 considered the committee’s finding that Akindele had an inappropriate relationship with his student.

He said this was established through their conversation in the audio recording,  his reply to the query,  the oral evidence  and the printed ‘WhatsApp conversations’ tendered before the committee.

The vice chancellor  said Akindele had acted in a manner that  compromised his position as a teacher and examiner  in that  his conversations with  Osagie were about examination scores and inducement of favour for the alteration of examination scores.

Ogunbodede said :  ” He offered to change Miss Osagie’s purported “33%” result to a pass mark in consideration for sexual favours;  this was established in the audio recording which he admitted.

” His claim that Miss Osagie knew that she had passed with a score of ‘45’ but was seeking to score an ‘A’ and that this led to him being sexually harassed by Miss Osagie cannot be supported by any evidence.

” Professor Akindele’s actions in requesting for sexual favours from Miss Osagie to change her examination scores was scandalous behaviour that has brought ridicule to the name of the university and has tarnished the reputation of the university, as it portrays the university as an institution where its teachers and examiners trade marks for sexual favours.

” From the evidence, Miss Osagie had no idea that she scored ‘45’, a pass mark as later claimed by Professor Akindele, although she later found out she did not fail the course.

” Professor Akindele’s claim that he reported Miss Osagie’s ‘harassment’ to his colleagues cannot be supported by any evidence as all his colleagues denied it and one mentioned that she only talked about the matter with him after the audio recording was released over the internet.

” Professor Akindele operated in a position of power and authority over Miss Osagie and as such sexually harassed her.

The Senate therefore found him “liable for all the allegations of misconduct levelled against him” and recommended his dismissal.

To check sexual harassment in the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede, said the institution had strengthened its Sexual Harassment policy which was approved since 2013 and was developing a whistleblowing policy to encourage students and members of staff to report cases.

” The Council, at its meeting of today, Wednesday, 20th of June, 2018, having considered the recommendation of Senate, as well as the report of the Joint Committee of Council and Senate, decided that Professor Richard I. Akindele should be dismissed from the services of the university for gross misconduct.

” The university has also taken further steps to ensure the total elimination of Sexual Harassment (SH) in the OAU community.

“The university has a legal duty to prevent sexual and gender-based harassment within the institution and ensure that both men and women are protected from this menace; and thereby provide conducive environment for teaching and learning,’’ he said.

Ogunbodede said in order to create conducive environment for teaching and learning, the university was creating more awareness and disseminating information on what constitutes sexual harassment within the university.

He said the veracity of  sexual harassment concepts includes sexual solicitation and advances, sex exploitation, prostitution, seduction, pimping, sexual assault, unwanted touching, vulgar sexual jokes and  rape among others.

Ogunbodede said that OAU was fully committed to the eradication of sexual and other types of harassment from the university and would do all that was  possible to nip the menace in the bud.

” OAU has zero tolerance for sexual harassment and as a renowned university will do everything humanly possible to maintain the rules and regulations of the university,’’ he said.

Miss Monica Osagie, the alleged victim in the sex-for-marks scandal, had told the investigative panel that Prof. Richard Akindele allegedly failed her because she refused his sexual demand.

She said she did not score 33 per cent as the lecturer claimed, alleging that he failed her so that she could accede to his sexual request.

According to her lawyer, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Monica gave evidence at the panel .

Monica, a Master’s student, released a recorded phone conversation, which went viral, in which the lecturer, identified as Akindele, demanded five rounds of sex to increase her marks.

The committee, which held its session at the Pro-Chancellor’s Lodge, admitted only Monica and her lawyer.

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Nigeria @65: 12 major achievements Tinubu highlighted in Independence Day speech

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President Bola Tinubu has highlighted some of his administration’s achievement as Nigeria celebrate 65th anniversary of her independence.

In his Independence Day broadcast on Wednesday, the President listed key reforms and economic milestones his administration has recorded in the past 28 months.

Below are the highlights:

1. Record Non-Oil Revenue Growth

Tinubu said his administration has diversified government earnings beyond crude oil.

“We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411 percent higher than the amount raised in May 2023.”

2. Improved Fiscal Health

The President stressed that Nigeria’s debt servicing burden has been reduced significantly.

“Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous ‘Ways and Means’ advances that threatened our economic stability.”

3. Stronger Foreign Reserves

Tinubu noted a boost in external reserves, giving Nigeria a cushion against global shocks.

“Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September — the highest since 2019.”

4. Rising Tax-to-GDP Ratio

According to the President, his government is expanding its tax base without overburdening ordinary Nigerians.

“Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 percent from less than 10 percent. The new tax law will expand the base and provide tax relief to low-income earners.”

5. Nigeria Now a Net Exporter

Tinubu also emphasised that for the first time in years, Nigeria is selling more to the world than it buys.

“Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters… Non-oil exports now represent 48 percent, compared to oil exports at 52 per cent.”

6. Oil Production Rebound

He added that crude output has increased after years of underperformance.

“Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023… the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades.”

7. Stabilisation of the Naira

The foreign exchange reforms, Tinubu said, have curbed volatility.

“The Naira has stabilised… The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history.”

8. Social Investment in Vulnerable Households

“Under the social investment programme… N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.”

9. Solid Minerals Sector Growth

In mining, Tinubu said coal mining has rebounded, signalling diversification in natural resources.

“Coal mining recovered dramatically from a 22% decline in Q1 to 57.5% growth in Q2, becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors.”

10. Transport Infrastructure Expansion

The President maintained that his administration is accelerating work on major rail and highway projects.

“The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway.”

11. Global Recognition of Economic Reforms

Tinubu said international markets are responding positively.

“Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria… Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025.”

12. Monetary Policy Confidence

The Central Bank has responded by lowering interest rates.

“At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.”

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Nigeria upholds religious tolerance; there is no persecution, says Tinubu.

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President Bola Tinubu has categorically denied any deliberate religious persecution in the country.

He stated this on Tuesday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, at the book launch on “A decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria authored by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Tinubu insisted there is religious tolerance in Nigeria and Christians and Muslims were coexisting well, stressing that the talk of persecution in the country is false and unfounded.

He said, “There’s no religious persecution in Nigeria. It’s a lie from the pit of hell. I have always believed in good governance, and since I assumed office, I have focused on your welfare. Today, Nigerians can confidently say we have well-equipped hospitals, and we can treat critical illnesses such as cancer.”

There’s report recently that American talk show host Bill Maher had claimed that Christians are being systematically killed in Nigeria.

Maher, in a viral clip from his show Real Time with Bill Maher, alleged that up to 500,000 Christians had been killed in the country, describing the situation as genocide.

The video was circulated by international influencers, including Radio Genoa, an anti-Islamic personality on X.

Speaking further, the President assured Nigerians that they will soon start experiencing prosperity under his administration.

Tinubu said, “Nigeria’s economy just turned a corner, and you will receive prosperity; those talking negatively about this country should stop saying so.

 

“Just be patient, as all Nigerians will feel the prosperity in due time; don’t be corrupt.”

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BREAKING: Crisis Erupts as Dangote Refinery Halts Petrol Sales in Naira; PENGASSAN Orders Gas Supply Cut

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…….Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has ordered its members across key oil and gas companies to halt supply of crude oil and gas to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The order followed the alleged sack of 800 workers by Dangote Petroleum Refinery last Thursday.

In a memo by the General Secretary of PENGASSAN, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, to Branch chairmen in TotalEnergies, Renaissances, Chevron, Shell Nigeria Gas, Oando, and Seplat Producing Nigeria Unlimited. PENGASSAN directed the immediate shutdown of valves and suspension of all crude loading operations to the facility.

FERA refutes PENGASSAN’s allegations against Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers
Planned sale of oil, gas assets could plunge economy into crisis – PENGASSAN, NUPENG, warn FG
Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has suspended the sale of petrol in naira, a move that has unsettled fuel marketers and heightened concerns over possible pressure on pump prices and the foreign exchange market.

In an email sent to customers at 6:42 pm on Friday, the refinery announced that the suspension will take effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025. The decision, it explained, was triggered by the depletion of its crude-for-naira allocation.

The statement, by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and titled “Suspension of DPRP PMS Naira Sales – Effective 28th September 2025”, advised customers with pending naira-based transactions to request refunds.

Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers
Read Also: Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers

It reads in part: “We write to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been selling petroleum products in excess of our Naira-Crude allocations and, consequently, we are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.

“Kindly note that this suspension of Naira sales for PMS will be effective from Sunday, 28th of September, 2025. We will provide further updates regarding the resumption of supply once the situation has been resolved.

“All customers with PMS transactions in Naira who would like a refund of their current payments should formally request the processing of their refund.”

This is not the first time the refinery has halted naira transactions. In March 2025, it briefly suspended sales of refined products in the local currency, also citing inadequate crude-for-naira allocations. That earlier decision triggered concerns about the dollarisation of fuel sales and pushed petrol pump prices to nearly ₦1,000 per litre.

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