Anchor University Denies Allegations of Sexual Assault Cover-Up, Assures Thorough Investigation

The management of Anchor University, Lagos (AUL), has addressed a recent allegation of sexual assault, clarifying the facts surrounding the incident and affirming the institution's zero tolerance for sexual misconduct. The allegation, which gained attention following a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @draganaismother (Evangel Ganiyu), involved an unskilled worker allegedly found in a compromising situation in a female student's dormitory.

In a press release, the university emphasized that the narrative circulating online is not a complete representation of the facts. The incident in question occurred on Saturday, 28th September 2024, when a worker hired by a contractor responsible for renovating a female residence hall was discovered in the room of a female student, partially undressed. The institution clarified that the university was not in session at the time, but several holiday programs, including the ATS program, ICAN trainee sessions, and summer school, were ongoing.

According to the university, the female student raised the alarm upon waking up to find the worker in her room. After the initial commotion, the matter was escalated to the university authorities, and the student, along with the hostel supervisor, Mrs. Grace Abodunde, reported the incident directly to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Oye Bandele.

During a formal interrogation with the Vice-Chancellor, the student was asked to clarify the events:

• Vice-Chancellor: "Were your clothes on?"
• Student: "Yes, sir."
• VC: "Were you touched?"
• Student: "I don’t know."
• VC: "Why don’t you know? How old are you?"
• Student: "18 years."

In his line of questioning, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need for clarity from the student, given her age, to help the institution proceed with its internal investigation. Despite further inquiries, the student remained uncertain about the details of the event. The Vice-Chancellor then suggested taking the student to the university's health center for a medical examination, but her unexpected behavior laughing and acting unusually raised additional concerns about the incident's nature.

Unable to reach the student’s father due to a technical issue with the provided contact number, the Vice-Chancellor assured that the unskilled worker would be handed over to the police for further investigation, while the student would face the university’s disciplinary committee for a thorough review of the case.

Commitment to Justice and Safety

Anchor University reiterated in the statement that the worker involved was not a staff member of the institution, distancing itself from any attempts at a cover-up. The university stressed that it has no reason to protect an external worker and assured the public that the investigation would proceed transparently. The Vice-Chancellor himself is leading the fight against sexual harassment and misconduct at Anchor University, underscoring the institution’s unwavering stance against such acts.

Zero Tolerance for Sexual Assault

Anchor University reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of morality and safety for its students. "Anchor University has zero tolerance for sexual assault. We do not tolerate or condone this despicable and ungodly act," the management affirmed in the press release. The university also emphasized that no attempt would be made to downplay or cover up the incident, and that the accused individual would face legal and disciplinary consequences if found guilty.

The university's leadership encouraged the public to await the results of the investigation and assured all stakeholders of their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff members.