The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has rejected aspects of the statement issued by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, over allegations of sexual assault reportedly involving some military personnel and members of the university community.
Chronicle NG reported that the Nigerian Army depot said it has not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate rape allegations linked to some recently passed-out personnel, even as it reaffirmed that an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct would be thorough and transparent.
In a statement released on Friday by the assistant director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the army stated that the allegations had been attributed to the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and amplified on social media platforms.
The army asked victims and witnesses to the alleged assault at the UNIOSUN hostels to give evidence to aid its ongoing investigation into claims of wrongdoing by some recently graduated military personnel.
It did, however, state that the Board of Inquiry, which was formed earlier to probe charges against its employees, is still in operation.
In a statement issued on Friday by the university’s public relations officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution welcomed the army’s decision to establish a board of inquiry but expressed concerns about the expectation that alleged victims report directly to the same institution whose personnel are under investigation.
According to the university, such an approach ignores the trauma, fear, intimidation, and psychological barriers that frequently prevent survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to organizations affiliated with the alleged offenders.
“Osun State University owes every student a duty of care, confidentiality, and protection. The university will not compromise the privacy, dignity, or safety of any student by disclosing identities without their informed consent or in contravention of applicable laws,” the statement said.
UNIOSUN stressed that the welfare and safety of its students remain its top priority, adding that the vice-chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, would continue to support students who report harassment, assault, or abuse.
According to the statement, “The vice-chancellor’s earlier comments were not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalize the matter but were made in fulfillment of the university’s responsibility to address concerns affecting the safety and well-being of its students.”
The university said that investigations into sexual assault charges should be victim-centered, independent, transparent, and capable of inspiring public trust.
“The university believes that survivors of sexual violence should never be placed in circumstances where they may reasonably fear intimidation or victimization by being required to report directly to those connected with the subject of an investigation,” the statement added.
UNIOSUN also disagreed with the Depot Nigerian Army’s assessment of the vice-chancellor’s comments as unconfirmed or potentially misleading, arguing that they were made responsibly, in good faith, and in accordance with the institution’s statutory and moral obligation to protect its students.
The university also declared that it has directed its legal advisers to initiate appropriate legal proceedings to protect the institution’s integrity, the vice-chancellor’s reputation, and the interests of its students.
“The appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement said.
