The management of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, has dismissed portions of a statement published by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, regarding claims of sexual assault involving some military personnel and members of the university community.
In a statement issued on Friday by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution acknowledged the Army’s decision to form a Board of Inquiry but expressed concerns about the expectation that alleged victims report directly to the same institution whose personnel are the subject of allegations.
According to the University, such an approach fails to understand the trauma, fear, intimidation, and psychological barriers that frequently prevent survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to institutions associated with the alleged perpetrators.
It also rejected any idea that it reveal the identity of the affected students or force them to appear before military authorities.
“Osun State University owes all students a duty of care, confidentiality, and protection. “The University will not jeopardise any student’s privacy, dignity, or safety by disclosing their identities without their informed consent or in violation of applicable laws,” the statement read.
The University underlined that its students’ health and safety are its first priority, and that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, will 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 conclusion of any investigation or sensationalise the subject, but were made in fulfilment of the University’s commitment to address concerns about its students’ safety and well-being.