Sexual Harassment: OAU Sets Up Investigative Committee
The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has set up a high-powered committee to investigate the audio recording of alleged sexual harassment of a female student of the University by an academic staff of the university.
A release personally signed and made available to newsmen by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede noted that the committee will submit its report within one week.
“The attention of the authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has been drawn to an audio recording, now trending on the social media, of a telephone conversation ostensibly between one Professor Akindele and a female student of the University.
“The recording suggests that the lecturer was demanding sex in return for grade which clearly amounts to sexually harassing the lady.
“Since the matter came to our notice, the University has begun the process of identifying the characters involves in this apparent breach of its regulations, the Code of Conduct for the University Community and the Anti-sexual Harassment policy, in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and procedures of the University.
“To this end, the University has set up a high-powered committee to investigate the allegation and submit its report within one week. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with decisively.
“I wish to assure the general public that Obafemi Awolowo University has zero tolerance for sexual harassment. The University considers sexual harassment as a serious offence contrary to its Code of Conduct for the University Community and against the Anti-sexual Harassment Policy of the University. It is totally and morally reprehensible, and the University will never condone such act by any staff or student.
Professor Akindele of the department of Accounting in the faculty of administration was alleged to have demanded sex five times in return for higher grade from a female student.
