Ex-Catholic sister failed to provide evidence of sexual harassment — Veritas varsity spokesman

Following allegations of sexual harassment made by a former reverend sister, Annastasia Kinse, against Veritas University, the institution’s Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Mr Ben Agande, has dismissed the claims, stating in an interview with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI that the university remains committed to integrity, due process, and the dignity of all members of its community

How does Veritas University respond to the allegations made by former Sister Annastasia Kinse in recent media reports?

The claim that Veritas University ignored her allegations of sexual harassment is false. A committee was constituted to investigate the matter. It comprised four members, and she was given an opportunity to present the evidence she claimed to have.

However, she failed to submit any evidence to the committee. The narrative she is pushing, that she was victimised for reporting sexual harassment, is completely untrue.

In my opinion, what the former sister is doing is framing a misleading story to gain public sympathy. We understand her predicament; she was dismissed by her religious congregation after publicly announcing on Facebook that she had abandoned Christianity, which amounted to apostasy. That has nothing to do with Veritas University.

Beyond the harassment claims, there were already disciplinary concerns regarding her conduct as a lecturer and staff member of the institution. She was involved in an examination misconduct case in March 2025.

During an exam, a student was caught cheating, and an examination misconduct form was brought for the student to fill. The former sister advised the student to use a false name so the case would not be traced. She later admitted to this before the Examination Misconduct Committee, saying she did it out of pity for the student.

What action did the University take after that incident?

The committee found her explanation unacceptable and recommended two actions: first, that she be issued a strong written reprimand, and second, that she be barred from further examination duties at the university.

A letter conveying this decision was issued to her on June 6, 2025, after all investigations had been concluded. This incident occurred long before she made her sexual harassment allegations.

So, how did the university handle her harassment complaint when it came later?

After the disciplinary issue, she wrote a petition to the Vice-Chancellor alleging sexual harassment and abuse by her Head of Department. Initially, she requested anonymity, but the Vice-Chancellor explained that such a serious allegation could not be investigated anonymously. She was asked to include her name, which she eventually did.

The Vice-Chancellor then instructed the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Professor Simon Okute, to set up a committee to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Who were the members of the investigative committee

The committee comprised four PhD holders: Dr Vitus Agbazue, Dr Ini Ekpe (female), Dr Martin Ogharanduku, Dr Godwin Udourioh, with Mr Jeremiah John serving as secretary.

These are respected scholars and administrators who approached the case with fairness and professionalism.

Both the accused and the complainant were invited to appear before the committee and present their evidence. She was given every opportunity to do so, but provided no proof to support her claims.

Did the committee uncover anything significant during its investigation?

Yes. The committee observed that the former sister appeared emotionally distressed during her sessions. She admitted to having suffered mental health challenges and even disclosed that she had attempted suicide in the past.

In its report to the Vice-Chancellor, the committee recommended that her congregation be notified so she could receive adequate care and support. This was done out of concern for her well-being, not to stigmatise her.

However, regarding the harassment allegations, the committee concluded that “a clear case of sexual harassment could not be established” as “the evidence provided by the complainant did not lend itself easily to verification.”

Was her mental health situation the reason her allegations were not upheld?

Not at all. The committee’s decision was based solely on evidence, or rather, the lack of it. She made serious accusations but failed to provide any proof. The committee could not manufacture evidence on her behalf.

In such cases, the burden of proof lies on the person making the allegation. Since she provided none, the committee concluded there was no basis to uphold her claim.

However, to forestall future misunderstandings, the committee recommended that “the HOD should limit all contacts/interactions to only official matters and in the presence of other people.”

Does Veritas University have a policy that protects complainants from victimisation?

Yes, absolutely. Veritas University has a robust policy on sexual harassment and romantic relationships. It applies to everyone: academic and non-academic staff, whether full-time, part-time, contract, or temporary, as well as all registered students and even persons acting on behalf of the University. From the Vice-Chancellor to the lowest-ranked employee, every staff member must sign an undertaking to abide by this policy before assuming office. It is a serious matter, and we do not take it lightly.

There is no circumstance under which the University would trivialise an allegation of sexual harassment.

How are such complaints investigated under this policy?

The University operates a committee-based system. When her petition was received, the Vice-Chancellor instructed the Dean of the Faculty to constitute an investigative committee, which he did. Both the accused and the complainant were invited to appear and present their cases.

After listening to both sides, the committee submitted its report to the Vice-Chancellor, stating that it could not establish a clear case of sexual harassment.

This process ensures fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to due process.

Some critics believe institutions often shield senior staff accused of misconduct. How does Veritas University handle such cases?

We have built a system that prioritises integrity and fairness. Veritas University is guided by Catholic values and the principles of accountability. No one, not even a senior lecturer, is above disciplinary procedures.

We have, in fact, relieved heads of departments of their duties in the past due to misconduct.

Whenever a case is reported, it is handled through committees made up of individuals from different departments to avoid bias or conflict of interest. Every report is treated with seriousness, and anyone found guilty faces disciplinary action.

How does the University balance moral discipline with fairness in handling disciplinary matters?

Veritas University is founded on academic excellence and moral rectitude. We train our students to uphold integrity, honesty, and respect for others.

You cannot preach morality while condoning misconduct. We cannot instil the values of decency and justice while allowing any staff or student to engage in harassment or abuse.

The University maintains zero tolerance for sexual harassment or any form of immoral behaviour.

What sanctions apply when a staff member is found guilty of harassment?

Any verified case of sexual harassment is treated with utmost seriousness. The University has clear disciplinary mechanisms to ensure that such individuals face appropriate sanctions, which may include suspension, termination, or referral to law enforcement, depending on the severity.

We also ensure that victims are protected and supported throughout the process.

I can tell you authoritatively that there have been instances where individuals attempted to communicate inappropriately with students, and such actions were addressed decisively.

culled from punch.