Alleged sexual assault: UNIOSUN dismisses Nigerian Army’s response, moves to take legal action

Aspects of the statement released by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, regarding claims of sexual assault allegedly involving some military personnel and members of the university community have been disputed by the administration of Osun State University, UNIOSUN.

The University acknowledged the Army’s decision to form a Board of Inquiry in a statement released on Friday by Ademola Adesoji, the university’s public relations officer.

However, the institution voiced concerns about the expectation that alleged victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are the subject of the allegations.

According to the University, this method neglected to acknowledge the psychological obstacles, fear, intimidation, and trauma that frequently deter victims of sexual assault from reporting directly to organisations they might be associated with the suspected offenders.

Additionally, it rejected the idea that it should reveal the identity of impacted pupils or force them to appear before military authorities.

Every student at Sunu State University is entitled to safety, care, and secrecy. According to the statement, “The University will not jeopardise any student’s privacy, dignity, or safety by disclosing identities without their informed consent or in violation of applicable laws.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, will continue to assist students who report harassment, assault, or abuse, the university said, reiterating that the welfare and safety of its students remain its top concern.

The statement reads, “The Vice-Chancellor’s earlier remarks were made in fulfilment of the University’s responsibility to address concerns affecting the safety and well-being of its students and were not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalise the matter.”

According to UNIOSUN, investigations into claims of sexual assault must to be victim-centered, impartial, open, and able to inspire public trust.

The statement said, “The University believes that survivors of sexual violence should never be put in situations where they may reasonably fear intimidation or victimisation by being required to report directly to those connected with the subject of an investigation.”

Additionally, the institution disputed the Depot Nigerian Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks as unverified or possibly deceptive, maintaining that the remarks were made responsibly, in good faith, and in accordance with the University’s moral and legal duty to protect its students.

In order to safeguard the institution’s integrity, the Vice-Chancellor’s reputation, and the interests of its students, it declared that universities do not make irresponsible remarks and that it had asked its legal experts to start the necessary legal processes.

“The proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development is provided by the appropriate judicial process,” the statement stated.

According to the Newspaper, the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has asked witnesses and victims of the soldier’s attack on the UNIOSUN dormitories to offer proof in order to support the ongoing inquiry into claims of misbehaviour involving certain recently discharged military personnel.