The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has rejected key aspects of the Nigerian Army’s response to allegations that some military personnel assaulted students living in off-campus hostels, insisting that the institution will not expose alleged victims to further trauma by compelling them to report directly to the military authorities. The university also announced plans to seek legal redress over statements it believes could undermine its position on the matter.
The development followed an earlier statement by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, which maintained that it had not received any formal complaint, medical report or credible evidence to support allegations of rape involving some recently passed-out soldiers. The Army appealed to victims and witnesses to present evidence before its Board of Inquiry while assuring the public that any personnel found guilty would face disciplinary action under military law.
Responding in a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, UNIOSUN welcomed the Army’s decision to investigate the incident but disagreed with the suggestion that students who alleged assault should report directly to the same institution whose personnel were accused of misconduct. The university argued that such an approach fails to recognise the fear, trauma and psychological challenges often experienced by survivors of sexual violence.
The institution stated that it has a legal and moral responsibility to protect the identity, dignity and welfare of its students. It stressed that it would not disclose the identities of any affected students or compel them to appear before military authorities without their informed consent or contrary to existing laws protecting victims.
UNIOSUN maintained that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, acted responsibly when he publicly expressed concern over the reported assault on students. According to the university, his comments were intended to draw attention to the safety and wellbeing of students rather than prejudge the outcome of ongoing investigations or sensationalise the allegations.
The university further argued that investigations into allegations of sexual assault should be victim-centred, transparent, independent and capable of inspiring public confidence. It noted that survivors should never be placed in situations where they may fear intimidation or victimisation while seeking justice.
UNIOSUN also rejected the Army’s description of the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks as unconfirmed or potentially misleading. The institution insisted that its management acted in good faith and within its statutory responsibility to safeguard members of the university community after receiving reports of the incident.
Consequently, the university disclosed that it had instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings aimed at protecting the integrity of the institution, the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the interests of its students. It added that the courts remain the appropriate forum for resolving issues arising from the dispute.
The controversy stems from an incident in which soldiers allegedly invaded student hostels near the university, assaulted several students and reportedly seized mobile phones and other valuables. Some female students also alleged that they were subjected to sexual assault during the operation, prompting widespread protests on campus and the commencement of separate investigations by the university and the Nigerian Army.
The case has continued to attract national attention because of its implications for student safety, institutional responsibility and accountability. While the Army says its Board of Inquiry remains at work, UNIOSUN has reiterated that it will continue to support affected students and pursue every lawful avenue to ensure that the allegations are properly addressed and justice is served.
