The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State has set up a committee to investigate the sex-for-mark scandal allegedly involving a lecturer of the institution.
The scandal became viral when an audio-recording of a phone conversation recently surfaced on social media. The recording had the voice of the lecturer identified as Professor Akindele, whose name was mentioned by the student, sexually harassing a female student.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, in a statement on Wednesday said the university has begun the process of identifying the person involved by setting up a committee.
“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,” the statement read in part.
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Professor Ogunbodede in the statement vowed that the culprits of the scandal, when found, will face the wrath of the law.
“Anyone found culpable will be dealt with decisively. It is totally and morally reprehensible, and the University will never condone such act by any staff or student.
“Once again, I wish to reiterate that no one found culpable of this serious misconduct of sexual harassment will go unpunished,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor said the institution has zero tolerance for sexual harassment and considers sexual harassment as a serious offence contrary to its Code of Conduct for the University Community and the Anti-sexual Harassment policy.
