The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has rejected the Nigerian Army’s request for alleged victims of sexual assault to report directly to military authorities, insisting that survivors cannot reasonably be expected to seek justice from the same institution whose personnel stand accused.
The university also announced plans to institute legal proceedings over the controversy, declaring that it would defend the integrity of the institution, protect the reputation of its Vice-Chancellor and safeguard the interests and welfare of affected students.
In a statement issued on Friday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, UNIOSUN acknowledged the decision by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, to constitute a Board of Inquiry into the allegations but faulted its appeal for victims and witnesses to come forward before military authorities.
According to the university, such a position fails to recognise the psychological realities surrounding sexual violence, including trauma, fear, intimidation and the reluctance of survivors to engage directly with institutions linked to alleged perpetrators.
The institution maintained that it would not compel any student to appear before military authorities or disclose the identities of those involved without their express consent and in accordance with the law.
“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.
The university reaffirmed that the welfare, safety and emotional well-being of its students remain paramount, stressing that the administration under Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, would continue to stand with students who report cases of harassment, assault or abuse.
UNIOSUN also defended earlier remarks made by the Vice-Chancellor concerning the allegations, dismissing suggestions that his comments amounted to a pre-judgment of the matter or an attempt to sensationalise the issue.
It stated that the Vice-Chancellor acted in good faith and within the bounds of his responsibility to respond to matters affecting the security and welfare of members of the university community.
“The Vice-Chancellor’s earlier comments were not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalise the matter but were made in fulfilment of the University’s responsibility to address concerns affecting the safety and well-being of its students,” the statement added.
The institution further insisted that investigations involving allegations of sexual violence must be independent, transparent and victim-centred in order to command public trust and ensure justice for survivors.
According to the university, victims of sexual assault should never be placed in situations where they may fear intimidation, victimisation or further trauma by being compelled to report directly to authorities connected to those under investigation.
“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,” it stated.
UNIOSUN equally rejected the Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s statements as unverified or potentially misleading, insisting that academic institutions do not make reckless public declarations on issues involving the safety of their students.
The university disclosed that its legal advisers have been directed to commence appropriate legal action, describing the courts as the proper avenue for resolving the dispute and determining the issues arising from the incident.
“The appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement added.
The latest development follows an earlier statement by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, which called on alleged victims and witnesses to provide evidence to assist an ongoing investigation into claims that some recently passed-out soldiers sexually assaulted female students residing in hostels around the university.
The Army had announced the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the allegations and appealed to members of the public with relevant information to cooperate with the panel as part of efforts to uncover the truth behind the incident.
The matter has continued to generate widespread concern, with growing calls for a transparent, independent and credible investigation capable of delivering justice while protecting the rights, dignity and safety of all parties involved.