Army-UNIOSUN Clash: University Faults Military’s Position on Alleged Hostel Assault

Army-UNIOSUN Clash: University Faults Military’s Position on Alleged Hostel Assault

OSOGBO – The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has publicly rejected the position of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, regarding allegations of sexual assault involving military personnel and students, insisting that survivors of sexual violence should never be compelled to report directly to institutions linked to alleged perpetrators .

The disagreement stems from allegations that military recruits from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo invaded private student hostels on June 29, assaulting students, sexually harassing female students, and carting away mobile phones and other valuables . The Vice Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described the incident as one of the “darkest moments” in the institution’s recent history and referred to the perpetrators as “misfits” unfit to serve in the Nigerian Army . The university’s response follows an earlier statement by the Depot Nigerian Army, which said it had not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate rape allegations linked to recently passed-out personnel, even as it reaffirmed that an ongoing investigation would be thorough and transparent .

In a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the Army stated that the allegations had been attributed to the Vice Chancellor and amplified on social media platforms . The Army appealed to victims and witnesses of the alleged assault at the UNIOSUN hostels to provide evidence to assist its ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct involving some recently passed-out military personnel . The Army stated that the Board of Inquiry, which was formed earlier to probe charges against its personnel, is still in operation and would “leave no stone unturned” . It assured that any personnel found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws . The military also disclosed that some personnel involved have been apprehended and are undergoing disciplinary procedures .

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In a statement issued on Friday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution welcomed the Army’s decision to establish a Board of Inquiry but expressed concerns about the expectation that alleged victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are under investigation . According to the university, such an approach ignores the trauma, fear, intimidation, and psychological barriers that frequently prevent survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to organisations affiliated with the alleged offenders . The institution also rejected any suggestion that it should reveal the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before 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 stressed that the welfare and safety of its students remain its top priority, adding that the Vice-Chancellor would continue to support students who report harassment, assault, or abuse . According to the statement, “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 maintained that investigations into sexual assault charges should be victim-centred, independent, transparent, and capable of inspiring 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 added .

UNIOSUN also disagreed with the Depot Nigerian Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as unconfirmed or potentially misleading, insisting that the remarks were made responsibly, in good faith, and in accordance with the institution’s statutory and moral obligation to protect its students . The university further announced that it had instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to safeguard the integrity of the institution, the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor 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 said .

Army-UNIOSUN Clash: University Faults Military’s Position on Alleged Hostel Assault