Soldiers’ invasion: UNIOSUN rejects Army Depot’s position on rape allegation, moves to protect students’ rights

By Isa Isawade

The Management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has rejected aspects of the statement issued by the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, on Friday 3rd July 2026 regarding allegations of sexual assault reportedly involving some military personnel and members of the University’s community.

In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the University acknowledged the Army’s decision to constitute a Board of Inquiry but expressed concern over the expectation that alleged victims should report directly to the same institution whose personnel are the subject of the allegations.

According to the statement, such an approach does not adequately recognise the trauma, fear, intimidation and psychological barriers that often discourage survivors of sexual violence from reporting directly to institutions they may associate with the alleged perpetrators.

The University also described as unacceptable any suggestion that it should disclose the identities of affected students or compel them to appear before the 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.

The University reaffirmed that the welfare and safety of its students remain its highest priority, noting that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, will continue to stand with students who report any form of harassment, assault or abuse.

The statement explained that 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 respond to concerns affecting the safety and well-being of its students.

UNIOSUN further maintained that investigations into allegations of sexual assault should be victim-centred, independent, transparent and capable of inspiring 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 Depot Nigerian Army’s characterisation of the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as “unconfirmed” or “potentially misleading,” describing the remarks as a responsible response made in good faith and in the discharge of the institution’s statutory and moral obligation to safeguard its students.

The university urged the military Depot to know that a university does not make careless statement.

Consequently, the university disclosed that it has instructed its legal advisers to commence appropriate legal proceedings to protect 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 noted.

UNIOSUN reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the pursuit of justice, while affirming its readiness to cooperate with all lawful authorities in ensuring that the rights, dignity and welfare of its students remain paramount.