The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has rejected key aspects of the statement issued by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, over allegations of sexual assault involving some military personnel and members of the university community.
In a statement released on Friday by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, UNIOSUN acknowledged the Army’s decision to set up a Board of Inquiry to investigate the allegations. However, the institution faulted the Army’s call for alleged victims to report directly to the military authorities, arguing that such an approach ignores the trauma, fear, intimidation and psychological barriers often faced by survivors of sexual violence.
According to the university, expecting victims to report to the same institution whose personnel are the subjects of the allegations could discourage them from coming forward.
The university 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 read.
UNIOSUN reaffirmed that the welfare and safety of its students remain its highest priority, adding that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, will continue to support students who report cases of harassment, assault or abuse.
The institution explained that the Vice-Chancellor’s earlier comments on the incident were made in good faith and were intended to address concerns about the safety and well-being of students, not to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalise the matter.
The university further insisted that investigations into allegations of sexual assault must be victim-centred, independent, transparent and capable of inspiring public confidence.
“The University believes that survivors of sexual violence should never be placed in circumstances where they may reasonably fear intimidation or victimisation 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 description of the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks as unconfirmed or potentially misleading, maintaining that the comments were made responsibly and in fulfilment of the university’s statutory and moral obligation to protect its students.
The university stressed that it does not make careless public statements and disclosed that it has instructed its legal advisers to commence legal proceedings to safeguard the institution’s integrity, protect the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and defend the interests of its students.
“The appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement concluded.
The development follows an earlier appeal by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, urging alleged victims and witnesses to provide evidence to assist its ongoing investigation into claims of misconduct involving some recently passed-out military personnel.
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