Osun State University has rejected parts of the Nigerian Army’s response to allegations of sexual assault involving some recently passed-out military personnel, insisting that victims should not be expected to report directly to the institution whose personnel are under investigation.
According to The Punch, the university made its position known on Friday in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, following an earlier statement by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo.
While welcoming the Army’s decision to constitute a Board of Inquiry, the university argued that requiring victims to report directly to military authorities ignored the trauma and fear often experienced by survivors of sexual violence.
“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.
The university also defended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, saying his earlier comments were made in good faith and reflected the institution’s responsibility to protect its students.
UNIOSUN maintained that investigations into sexual assault allegations should be victim-centred, transparent and independent.
“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.
The institution also rejected the Army’s suggestion that the Vice-Chancellor’s comments were unconfirmed or misleading, insisting they were made responsibly and in line with its statutory and moral obligations.
UNIOSUN further disclosed that it had directed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to protect the integrity of the university, the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the interests of its students.
The development comes after the Depot Nigerian Army said it had not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate the rape allegations but assured that its ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct by some military personnel would be thorough and transparent.
