Dear ma,
I have been following your column and I believe you can help me with this challenge. I am a 22 year old student of Physics at one of the Federal Universities. There is this lecturer who seems to have made up his mind that getting me to his bed is a life ambition. I am not the only one he has given this kind of negative attention to. We are many, but all of them succumbed at different points, at least the ones I am aware of. I seem to be the last man standing or perhaps woman in this case. He has done all he can. He started out nice. When that didn’t work he became nasty to the point of asking me to pay extra for handouts, walking me out of class for the slightest offenses and ignoring my greetings. It’s been almost a year of this nonsense and I am now quite frustrated. Please and please, what do I do??
Devaan says….
Good day,
Well, the good thing is so far it has either not occurred to him, or maybe he is too smart to attempt tampering with your grades. I would advice that this is one of those situations where you really need to come to equity with clean hands.
To the best of your ability do not be found wanting in your interactions with him. Don’t gossip him with your friends, always be punctual to his classes, dress decently, keep your make up moderate, do not be disruptive during his classes, remain respectful…then study real hard. Make sure nothing about your conduct is called to question, then wait for the day he attempts to fail you for nothing. Keep your parents in the picture o. I love the fact that you are a science student and most of your subjects are very straight forward to assess. If he does tamper with your grades, find out the processes involved in sorting out such issues and follow up thoroughly after having a talk with him first to see if he will back down and give you your earned marks. If he chooses not to, report the matter to the school authorities and bring your parents into it. Usually, another equally qualified lecturer will be called upon for an independent assessment to determine if your claims are true. Once the school authorities agree there has been foul play they will take appropriate disciplinary action. Just know that it might lead to him losing his job. If on the other hand he doesn’t touch your grades, keep ignoring him and he will likely leave you alone.
All the best.