Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 100-level student of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, has accused a staff member in the Department of Public Administration, Mr. Pascal Omofomah, popularly known as "Don P," of sexual harassment. The student, whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons and who is referred to as "Esther" in this report, has called on the Vice-Chancellor and university management to urgently investigate her allegations through a fair, impartial, and transparent process.
According to Esther, the incident began when Mr. Omofomah allegedly approached her within the faculty, collected her phone number, and told her she could contact him whenever she needed academic guidance. She further alleged that, as she was leaving, he called her back and remarked that he had only been joking because he actually wanted to be her "sugar daddy."
Esther stated that weeks later, after reviewing her examination results, she contacted him on the advice of a friend, believing he could assist with her academic concerns. According to her, Mr. Omofomah discussed her academic progress, asked about the textbooks she had purchased, and later informed her that he had spoken with the Head of Department regarding her concerns. She alleged that he told her the HOD could not deal directly with students but that he would serve as an intermediary.
She further alleged that he initially invited her to meet him in his office, but the meeting did not take place because of the weather. A subsequent invitation was reportedly extended, during which Esther said she informed him that she intended to come with a friend since they planned to return home together. According to her, he rejected the idea, questioned her seriousness, and insisted that she come alone because she was the person he intended to help.
Feeling uneasy about the meeting, Esther said she informed a friend of her concerns. She stated that her friend encouraged her to attend because the meeting was expected to take place in a public location. According to Esther, they eventually met at Nehita, Alli Square, where Mr. Omofomah allegedly purchased drinks for both of them. She said she declined to drink hers because it contained alcohol.
During their conversation, Esther alleged that Mr. Omofomah requested access to her phone to view what he described as her "sexy videos." She said she refused, explaining that she had no such content on her phone. She further alleged that he repeatedly held and kissed her hand despite her expressing discomfort and asking him to stop. According to Esther, Mr. Omofomah wanted them to remain together until about 4:30 p.m., but she insisted she needed to leave by 2:30 p.m. because she had been away from home since 1:00 p.m.
She stated that, feeling increasingly uncomfortable, she discreetly sent a message to a friend asking her to call and pretend that her mother was looking for her. Esther alleged that after receiving the call, she pleaded with Mr. Omofomah to take her back to campus. However, she claimed that instead of returning directly, he drove through Ukpenu and stopped on a secluded road near Ufua Hospital. According to Esther, he parked the vehicle, activated the central locking system, and asked her to kiss him, which she said she refused. She also alleged that there is video evidence relating to part of the encounter.
Esther further alleged that Mr. Omofomah made sexually suggestive remarks, including telling her, "Just make me happy the way you make your boyfriend happy, and nobody will know—not even other lecturers." She also accused him of forcibly holding her, touching her breasts without her consent, and kissing them despite her resistance.
Esther said the incident left her emotionally distressed and traumatized. She stated that she returned home in tears and later confided in her friend about what had occurred. As a first-year student, Esther said she enrolled at Ambrose Alli University to pursue her education in a safe and conducive learning environment. She expressed concern that the experience has left her feeling unsafe and believes no student should face such circumstances while seeking academic assistance.
She is therefore calling on the Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University and the university management to urgently investigate her allegations through a fair, impartial, and transparent process. Esther also urged the institution to ensure accountability if the allegations are substantiated and said she is seeking justice not only for herself but also to help protect other students from similar experiences.
At the time of this report, Mr. Pascal Omofomah had not publicly responded to the allegations, and the management of Ambrose Alli University had not issued an official statement on the matter. It is important to note that these are allegations, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty through a proper investigative process. The university has previously taken disciplinary action against staff members for sexual misconduct, including the dismissal of 13 academic and non-academic staff in 2023 for offences ranging from fraud and extortion to sexual harassment.
The case highlights the persistent challenge of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions, where students, particularly young women, often face predatory behaviour from staff members who exploit their positions of power. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has previously called on the management of Ambrose Alli University to ensure that allegations of sexual misconduct are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators held accountable. As Esther awaits the university's response, her story serves as a reminder of the urgent need for institutions to create safe learning environments and robust reporting mechanisms for victims of sexual harassment.
It is important to note that the allegations contained in this report represent the account of the complainant. As of the time of publication, Mr. Pascal Omofomah has not publicly responded to these allegations, and Ambrose Alli University has not issued an official statement. The matter remains an allegation pending investigation.
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