By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State University has rejected key aspects of the statement issued by the Depot Nigerian Army regarding allegations of sexual assault involving some military personnel and members of the university community, insisting that the institution will not expose affected students to intimidation or compromise their rights.
In a statement issued on Saturday 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 but expressed serious reservations over the military’s 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 take into account the trauma, fear, intimidation and psychological challenges often faced by survivors of sexual violence, which may discourage them from coming forward.
UNIOSUN also rejected any suggestion that it should disclose the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before military authorities.
According to the institution, it owes every student a duty of care, confidentiality and protection, stressing that it would not compromise the privacy, dignity or safety of any student by releasing identities without informed consent or in violation of existing laws.
The university reaffirmed that the welfare and security of its students remain its highest priority, maintaining that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, will continue to support students who report cases of harassment, assault or abuse.
It explained that the Vice-Chancellor’s earlier comments on the incident were neither intended to prejudge the outcome of investigations nor sensationalise the allegations, but were made in fulfilment of the university’s responsibility to respond to concerns affecting the safety and well-being of students.
UNIOSUN further maintained that investigations into sexual assault allegations must be victim-centred, independent, transparent and capable of inspiring public confidence.
The institution insisted that survivors of sexual violence should never be placed in situations where they may reasonably fear intimidation or victimisation by being required to report directly to individuals or institutions connected with those being investigated.
The university also disagreed with the Army Depot’s description of the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks as “unconfirmed” or “potentially misleading,” describing the comments as a responsible intervention made in good faith and in line with the institution’s statutory and moral obligation to safeguard its students.
It added that universities do not make careless statements on matters affecting the welfare of their students.
Consequently, UNIOSUN disclosed that it has instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to protect the integrity of the institution, the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the interests of its students.
According to the statement, the judicial process remains the proper avenue for resolving the issues arising from the incident.
The university reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the pursuit of justice, while affirming its readiness to cooperate with all lawful authorities to ensure that the rights, dignity and welfare of its students remain paramount.
The latest development follows the Army Depot’s earlier response, in which it announced the constitution of a Board of Inquiry to investigate allegations that some recruit soldiers unlawfully entered the university community and allegedly sexually assaulted female students.
The Army had urged victims and witnesses to provide information to aid its investigation, a position now strongly challenged by the university.
