Students of UNIMTECH are expected to conduct themselves in a disciplined manner with pride and dignity in themselves and their institution. This expectation is the cornerstone of the ethical codes of our Great University. Without discipline, learning can hardly take place. It is in the light of these values that the management has created the right climate and atmosphere in order that teaching and learning will take place without hindrance. Quarrelling mediated through the use of obscene language and fighting on the university campus are social vices management decries, so they are prohibited. Violation of these rules shall result into a strong disciplinary action. Stealing of any kind, either of the institutes’, tutors’, students’ or colleagues’ property (s) shall lead to immediate expulsion from the university. Unlawful possession and consumption of drugs and alcohol on the college campuses are also prohibited. Again, defaulters thereof shall be severely punished. Activities of secret societies, occult groups are prohibited on our campuses during lecture hours or study times. Any student caught in occultism will be expelled from the college.
The University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH) is well-known for its robust moral values on which it was established. Over the years UNIMTECH has endeavoured to maintain an educational environment consistent with its culture of respect, uprightness, responsibility as well as self-esteem for humanity regardless of gender, faith, political association, nationality, ethnic group or religious conviction. However, this is critical to the university’s posture as an academic institution, devoid of discrimination, bullying, harassment and general immorality.
Sexual harassment is not a new phenomenon in work places, schools, tertiary and other higher education institutions. It is a despicable act that has negative impact on especially weaker sex in work places and learning institutions globally. Therefore, the University of Management and Technology as a mixed gender education institution condemns the act of sexual harassment and has drawn guidelines that both staff and students should adhere to discourage sexual harassment and uphold moral and core values of the university.
By definition, sexual harassment means unwanted behaviour, which offends the person(s) in question. Sexual harassment may mean sexual advances, comments uttered or inferred, sexual request or any means of communication that proposes sexual harassment. Sexual harassment as well means compelling or requesting persons to offer sexual favours contrary to their will, with the threat of unfair treatment through concealment of what is due the person by way of grades merited for coursework, assessments in addition to or examinations in the circumstance of students as well as career development, upgrading, increase in salary, renewal of employment, and so on, in the case of university employees.
Sexual harassment may also be regarded as a situation in which women make advances, to men to lure them for sexual favours exclusively for their job as well as educational progress. Sexual harassment also takes account of any means of impolite, ghastly sexual proposal or intimidation extended against any students in the course of social associations or activities.
Student(s) or staff who feels sexually harassed has a duty to tell the person that is causing the harassment to stop since his/her conduct is causing distress to him/her. In certain situations, the person may be unmindful that his/her conduct is wrong or unpleasant, or it could be that his/her words or actions have been misjudged. In situations like this, the misconceptions need to be clarified immediately and amicably between the parties. Despite the fact where the conduct was not deliberate, an immediate as well as a clear indication that it is unpleasant may be adequate to halt the continuation of such conduct. However, if after raising complaint the sexual harassment continues, an official report should be made immediately so that the matter could be dealt with promptly. Consequently, should the person who is being harassed chooses to pursue or escalate the matter, an official complaint should first be made to the Head of Department (HoD). Should the Head of Department fail to handle the matter within seven days, the matter will then be forwarded to the Dean of the student’s school and should the Dean fail to settle the matter within another seven days, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Administration, will be informed accordingly to determine the level of seriousness of the offence. Thereafter, the complainant may be asked to do a report of the incident(s) for official investigation by a panel to be constituted by the DVC.
On receiving the written complaint or report, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Administration, will give directives for a quick investigation as well as take other actions he/she may deem necessary to put an immediate halt to the harassment against the complainant. Such actions, may include suspension of the offender while the investigation is going on, a letter to the complainant to exercise restraint while the investigation is ongoing, etc.
The person(s) against whom the complaint is made will be given adequate chance to reply in writing or be heard during the hearing. Should the complaint seem to be complex and very serious thus requiring disciplinary measure, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Administration may set up a panel of investigation taking into consideration gender balance in membership. The panel will conduct a thorough, impartial and prompt investigation of the allegation(s) as contained in the written complaint or report of the student who is been sexually harassed.
The investigation may consist of interviews with witnesses, collection of information about the incident(s) and other relevant procedures taken into consideration.
Measures that could be adopted by investigating panel for redress include the following:
The university administration will not accept any form of threats, pressure and retaliation against any student or staff who complains or makes reports of sexual harassment, provides information or any other assistance in an investigation of sexual harassment.