Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has rejected parts of a statement issued by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, over allegations of sexual assault reportedly involving some recently passed-out military personnel and members of the university community.
The Telegraph had reported that the Depot Nigerian Army said it had not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate rape allegations linked to its personnel, while also noting that an ongoing investigation into misconduct allegations would be thorough and transparent.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the Depot Nigerian Army said the allegations had been attributed to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and amplified on social media.
The Army also appealed to victims and witnesses to come forward with evidence to support its ongoing investigation, adding that a Board of Inquiry earlier set up to probe the allegations remained in place.
However, in a response issued by its Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, UNIOSUN welcomed the Army’s decision to establish a Board of Inquiry but questioned the expectation that alleged victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are under investigation.
The university argued that such an approach fails to consider the trauma, fear and psychological barriers that often prevent survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to authorities they may associate with alleged perpetrators.
UNIOSUN also rejected any suggestion that it should disclose the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before military authorities.
“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.
The institution reiterated that the safety and welfare of students remain its top priority, adding that the Vice-Chancellor would continue to support students reporting cases of harassment or abuse.
According to the university, the Vice-Chancellor’s earlier comments were not intended to pre-empt investigations or sensationalise the matter, but were made in fulfilment of the institution’s responsibility to address concerns affecting student welfare.
UNIOSUN stressed that investigations into sexual assault allegations must be victim-centred, independent and transparent enough to inspire public confidence.
It added that survivors should not be placed in situations where they may fear intimidation by being required to report directly to those connected to the investigation.
The university also disagreed with the Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks as unverified or misleading, insisting they were made responsibly and in line with its statutory duty of care.
Furthermore, UNIOSUN said it had instructed its legal advisers to initiate appropriate legal action to protect the institution, the Vice-Chancellor and its students.
“The appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement added.
