The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has rejected key aspects of the statement issued by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, regarding allegations of sexual assault involving military personnel and members of the university community, announcing that it has instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings.
In a statement by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution acknowledged the Army’s decision to establish a Board of Inquiry but expressed strong reservations over the expectation that alleged victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are the subject of the allegations.
The university said such an approach failed to recognise the trauma, fear, intimidation and psychological barriers that often discourage survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to institutions they may associate with the alleged perpetrators.
UNIOSUN maintained 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 read.
The institution also pushed back against the Depot Nigerian Army’s description of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as unconfirmed or potentially misleading, insisting that the remarks were made responsibly, in good faith and in fulfilment of the university’s statutory and moral obligation to safeguard its students.
“Universities do not make careless statements,” the statement said, as the institution announced it had instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to protect the integrity of the institution and the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor.
The development follows the alleged invasion of over 16 student hostels in the Oke Baale area of Osogbo by recently passed-out Army recruits, in which students were reportedly assaulted, robbed of valuables and sexually harassed. Five soldiers have since been arrested in connection with the incident, with investigations ongoing.
