A lecturer at the Department of English, University of Ilorin, Dr Mohammed Idiagbon, has been removed as the head of the department for allegedly wooing one of the students of the institution.

Sources at the university told our correspondent on Monday that Idiagbon was removed as the HoD after it became public knowledge that he allegedly intimidated and wooed the unnamed student. They stated that the lecturer had invited the student to his office and allegedly proposed romantic friendship with her.

One of the sources said the unnamed student recorded the conversation between her and the lecturer. He said, "However, the lecturer did not rape the student, but only tried to intimidate her to become his lover."

Another source said when the matter was reported to the authorities of the institution, a panel was set up to investigate the matter and the lecturer was queried. She added that the lecturer was removed as the HoD to avoid interference while investigations continued.

According to her, the lecturer knowing the implication of his alleged action, resigned his appointment from the university. She said, "The lecturer invited a student to his office. He wanted to date the student. It was not a case of rape.

"The student recorded the discussion and when the matter reached the authorities, the lecturer was removed as the HoD of English Department. He has even resigned from the university." The Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, told our correspondent on the telephone that the university had zero tolerance for amorous relationship and misconduct between lecturers and students.

He explained that after the case was reported at the Students Affairs Department, it was referred to the appropriate authorities in the institution. He said, "The lecturer was queried and removed as the Head of English Department, and invited before a disciplinary panel.

"The lecturer, however, resigned his appointment with the university and did not appear before the panel." He stated that in spite of Idiagbon's resignation, the report of the panel was still being awaited.

Efforts by The Punch correspondent to get Idiagbon's response to the allegations proved abortive as his telephone rang out. The Punch correspondent sent a text message to the line but had yet to be replied to as of press time.