Veritas University, Abuja, has dismissed claims of sexual harassment made by a former Catholic sister against a senior member of its faculty, stating that the accuser failed to provide credible evidence to support her allegations. The university’s management described the reports circulating on social media as misleading and damaging to its reputation, urging the public to disregard what it termed “false and unsubstantiated claims.”
The controversy began after a former member of a Catholic order, identified as Sister Monica, alleged that a lecturer at the institution had sexually harassed her during her time at the university. Her claims quickly gained traction online, prompting widespread reactions and calls for an independent investigation into the matter.
However, in a statement issued on Friday, the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Adoga Augustine, said that an internal inquiry had been conducted, during which the complainant was given ample opportunity to present her case but failed to produce verifiable evidence or witnesses to back her claims. According to Augustine, the allegations could not be substantiated and were therefore dismissed in line with the university’s disciplinary procedures.
“The university has zero tolerance for any form of sexual harassment or misconduct,” the spokesman stated. “We took the allegations very seriously and initiated an internal review process. However, after careful examination, it was found that the complainant did not provide sufficient evidence to support her claims. The accused staff member was therefore cleared of wrongdoing.”
Augustine emphasized that Veritas University remains committed to upholding high moral and ethical standards in line with its Catholic foundation and does not condone any behavior that violates human dignity or institutional integrity. He also condemned the spread of unverified stories on social media, warning that such actions could tarnish reputations and undermine legitimate efforts to address gender-based violence.
“The university is deeply concerned about the growing trend of misinformation on digital platforms,” he added. “We urge the public to always verify claims before drawing conclusions, as false accusations can destroy the lives and careers of innocent individuals.”
The spokesperson noted that the university maintains a functional grievance and counseling unit for students and staff to report cases of harassment or abuse confidentially. He assured that any future complaint backed by evidence would be handled transparently and in accordance with established legal and institutional frameworks.
Meanwhile, the alleged victim has continued to insist on the veracity of her claims, saying she was discouraged and stigmatized after reporting the incident. She accused the university of shielding the lecturer involved and failing to provide a safe environment for victims of sexual harassment. Her comments have reignited debate about how Nigerian tertiary institutions handle cases of sexual misconduct.
Women’s rights advocates have since called for an independent probe into the matter, arguing that internal investigations conducted by institutions often lack transparency. They urged the National Universities Commission and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to ensure fairness and accountability in such cases, especially in faith-based institutions where victims may fear retaliation or reputational damage.
As the controversy continues to generate reactions, Veritas University reiterated its commitment to justice and transparency while maintaining that the allegations remain unproven. The administration appealed to the public to allow due process to take its course and to respect the outcome of its internal investigation.
The incident has reignited national conversations about the prevalence of sexual harassment in Nigerian universities and the need for stronger institutional mechanisms to protect victims while safeguarding the rights of the accused.
