News

UNIOSUN Rejects Army’s Position On Alleged Sexual Assault

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedJuly 4, 2026

The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has rejected aspects of the statement issued by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, regarding allegations of sexual assault reportedly involving some military personnel and members of the university community.

The university’s reaction followed an earlier statement by the Depot Nigerian Army, which said it had not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate the rape allegations allegedly involving some recently passed-out soldiers.

The Army, in a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, said the allegations had been attributed to the Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and subsequently circulated on social media.

While reaffirming that a Board of Inquiry was already investigating allegations of misconduct involving some of its personnel, the Army appealed to victims and witnesses of the alleged assault at the university hostels to come forward with evidence to aid the investigation.

Responding in a statement on Friday, UNIOSUN’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, welcomed the Army’s decision to investigate the allegations but faulted its expectation that victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are under investigation.

The university argued that such an approach fails to recognise the trauma, fear, intimidation and psychological barriers that often prevent survivors of sexual violence from reporting incidents to institutions they associate with the alleged perpetrators.

UNIOSUN also rejected any suggestion that it should disclose the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before military authorities.

The statement read, “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 institution reiterated that the welfare and safety of its students remain its highest priority, stressing that the Vice-Chancellor would continue to support students who report harassment, assault or abuse.

It explained that Professor Adebooye’s earlier comments were not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or sensationalise the matter but were made in line with the university’s responsibility to address issues affecting the safety and well-being of its students.

UNIOSUN further maintained that investigations into allegations of sexual assault should be victim-centred, independent and transparent to inspire public confidence.

“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 university also disagreed with the Army’s description of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as unconfirmed or potentially misleading, insisting that his remarks were made responsibly, in good faith and in fulfilment of the institution’s statutory and moral obligation to protect its students.

It further disclosed that its legal advisers had been directed 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 appropriate judicial process provides the proper forum for resolving the issues arising from this unfortunate development,” the statement concluded.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.