Osun State University Challenges Army's Stance on Assault Allegations, Initiates Legal Steps

The leadership of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has formally expressed its disagreement with certain points contained in the declaration issued by the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo. This contention arises from allegations of sexual assault that reportedly involve military personnel and students of the university.

Previously, PUNCH Online had reported the Nigerian Army Depot's position, stating that it had not received any official complaints or credible evidence to substantiate claims of rape associated with recently graduated personnel. Despite this, the Army affirmed its commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation into all allegations of misconduct.

In a statement released on Friday by Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, the military noted that the allegations had been attributed to the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and had gained traction across various social media platforms. The Army subsequently called upon any victims or witnesses of the alleged assaults at UNIOSUN hostels to come forward with evidence to aid its ongoing probe into the alleged misbehaviour of some recently passed-out military personnel. It further confirmed that a Board of Inquiry, previously established to investigate these claims against its personnel, remains active.

However, in a separate statement also issued on Friday by Ademola Adesoji, the Public Relations Officer for UNIOSUN, the institution acknowledged the Army’s decision to constitute a Board of Inquiry. Yet, it raised serious concerns regarding the expectation that alleged victims should directly report to the very institution whose personnel are implicated in the accusations. UNIOSUN argued that such an approach overlooks the profound trauma, fear, intimidation, and psychological hurdles that often deter survivors of sexual violence from reporting incidents directly to entities they might associate with the alleged perpetrators.

Furthermore, the university firmly rejected any suggestion that it should disclose the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before military authorities. The statement asserted, “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.”

UNIOSUN reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare and safety of its students as a paramount concern, adding that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, would continue to lend support to students who report instances of harassment, assault, or abuse. The university clarified that the Vice-Chancellor’s earlier remarks were not intended to prejudge the investigation’s outcome or sensationalise the matter, but rather to fulfil the university’s responsibility to address concerns impacting its students’ safety and well-being.

The institution insisted that investigations into sexual assault allegations must be victim-centred, independent, transparent, and inspire public trust. “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 elaborated.

UNIOSUN also contested the Depot Nigerian Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as unconfirmed or potentially misleading. It maintained that the remarks were made responsibly, in good faith, and in alignment with the institution’s statutory and moral obligations to safeguard its students. Concluding its statement, the university announced that it had instructed 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 concluded.