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The management of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology has extended the suspension of head of department, Dental Surgery, Princewill Chicakpobi, by three months in a bid to ensure proper inquiry into allegations of rape made against him by the mother of a student.
Provost of the institution, Prof. Franklin Nlerum, who made this known while clarifying issues with respect to the inquiry, said the suspension with effect from 5 August was based on the report of a panel of inquiry that indicted the lecturer for sexual harassment.
The school had earlier suspended Chikakpobi after the mother of a student had on 16 April raised alarm over the alleged rape of her daughter by Chicakpobi.
School provost, Nlerum, told newsmen that, “based on the report of the panel, a case of sexual harassment was established against one of the female students in the college.
“The college decided to extend the suspension order against Chikakpobi by another three months. Within this period also his appointment as head of department (HOD), Dental Health has been suspended.
He has been relieved as HOD of that office and placed on half salary throughout the period of his suspension.
The provost however dismissed the earlier case of rape alleged by the affected student for lack of sufficient evidence to prove the allegation.
Nlerum explained that, “the student according to the panel was told to bring a report of medical test. She was unable to produce one. Based on that, the committee dismissed the allegation of rape.”
Our correspondent reports that this incident followed a protest by students of the institution over the poor condition of amenities in the college.
The students had in their protest, earlier in the year, stressed the lack of good portable water, a good hygienic environment, hostels, and other amenities, etc.
