A Federal High Court has sentenced a professor at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) to five years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty in a sexual misconduct case that has drawn widespread public attention.
In a strongly worded judgment delivered on Monday, the presiding judge described the academic as “a sexual predator,” noting that his actions were a gross abuse of power and a serious violation of the student involved.
The professor, whose name has been withheld pending official publication of court documents, was accused of demanding sexual favours from a female student in exchange for grades—an allegation that triggered protests within the university community and renewed calls for structural reforms in Nigeria’s higher institutions.
During the trial, the court reviewed testimonies, audio recordings, and messages presented by prosecutors. According to the judge, the evidence established a clear pattern of coercion and exploitation.
The conviction has been hailed by activists and student groups who say it sets a strong precedent against sexual harassment on campuses. They also urged universities to strengthen their reporting mechanisms to protect vulnerable students.
UNICAL management, when contacted, said it would issue a formal statement after reviewing the court’s decision.
