By Staff Reporter
The management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has strongly condemned the alleged harassment and assault of some of its students by Nigerian Army recruits in the Oke Baale area of Osogbo, describing the incident as unacceptable and a violation of the students’ fundamental rights.
In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the institution said it received reports of the incident with “deep concern and profound displeasure,” stressing that no member of the university community should be subjected to harassment, intimidation or abuse under any circumstance.
Following the incident, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, visited the affected privately owned hostels in Oke Baale on Tuesday to assess the situation and meet with the affected students.
During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor inspected damaged hostel facilities, including broken windows and doors, and listened to the accounts of students who alleged they were assaulted during the incident.
Professor Adebooye expressed sympathy with the victims and assured them that the university would pursue all lawful means to ensure justice is served.
He also pledged that the institution would engage relevant authorities to facilitate the recovery and return of any personal belongings reportedly taken from the students.
“The University stands firmly with the affected students and will not relent until the matter is satisfactorily resolved,” the Vice-Chancellor assured, while urging the students to remain calm and law-abiding.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo later paid a visit to the Vice-Chancellor to brief the university on actions already taken over the incident.
According to the delegation, the recruits allegedly involved have been identified and will face appropriate disciplinary measures, including immediate dismissal from the ongoing recruitment exercise, in line with military disciplinary procedures.
UNIOSUN commended the prompt response and cooperation of the leadership of the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo, for taking swift steps to investigate the matter and assuring the university that anyone found culpable would be held accountable.
The university reiterated its commitment to maintaining cordial relationships with security agencies while insisting that such partnerships must always be built on respect for the rights, dignity and safety of members of the university community.
The management also reassured parents, guardians, students and other stakeholders that the safety and welfare of its students remain its highest priority, adding that it would continue to monitor developments and work closely with relevant authorities until justice is achieved.
UNIOSUN further pledged to continue providing the necessary support to all students affected by the incident until the matter is conclusively resolved.
