Osun State University has pushed back at parts of a statement from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, about alleged sexual assaults said to involve some military personnel and members of the university community.
The Army told PUNCH Online it has not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to back rape claims linked to recently passed-out personnel, while saying its probe into misconduct will be thorough and transparent. In a Friday statement, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, said the allegations had been attributed to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and amplified on social media. The Army asked victims and witnesses at UNIOSUN hostels to hand over evidence and said a Board of Inquiry it set up remains at work.
UNIOSUN welcomed the Board but objected to the idea that alleged victims must report directly to the same institution whose personnel are accused. The university said that ignores trauma, fear, intimidation and other barriers that stop survivors from reporting. It also rejected any demand to reveal students’ identities or force them to face 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 said. UNIOSUN said the Vice‑Chancellor will keep supporting students and added: “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 university insisted investigations must be victim-centred, independent and transparent. “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 disputed the Army’s take on the VC’s remarks and has asked its lawyers to begin legal steps to protect the institution, the Vice‑Chancellor and students. “The appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement said.
