A university in Nigeria has today (Wednesday) set up an investigation into claims that an Anglican priest who works as a university professor demanded sex from a female student in order to guarantee she passes the course. The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Eyitope Ogunbodede, has told journalists that the university is working to confirm the identity of a lecturer whose voice appears in a taped conversation with students. But Nigerian media has named the man as a priest in the Anglican Diocese of Ife.

“In full compliance to all applicable laws, the university has set up a high powered committee to investigate the allegation and submit its report within one week,” Vice Chancellor Ogunbodede said. “Anyone found culpable will be dealt with decisively.

“The university considers sexual harassment as an offence punishable contrary to the code of conduct and anti-sexual harassment policy. The university will never condone such act by any staff or students.”

The statement came after a recording of a telephone conversation between the lecturer and student was made public. In it, the lecturer is heard telling the female student that he would give her better scores if she agreed to have sex with him five times.

The priest identified by the Nigerian media has not commented. His supporters have reportedly confirmed his identity; but claim he was “set up” and was “too gentle” for such actions.

The university serves a student population of 30,000 – up from just 244 when it opened in 1962. It calls itself “the Citadel of Wisdom, the place of Arts and Science where men and women seek knowledge.” The university’s investigation is ongoing.