The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has received
and considered the interim report of the Committee set up to
investigate the allegation of sexual harassment revealed in a recent
audio recording.
Press Statement
The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has
received and considered the interim report of the Committee set up to
investigate the allegation of sexual harassment revealed in a recent
audio recording.
In the interim report submitted to the Vice Chancellor, Professor
Eyitope Ogunbodede, Professor Richard I. Akindele, of the Department of
Management and Accounting, is now established to be the lecturer in the
controversial “marks for sex” audio recording. The female voice has also
been identified as that of Miss Monica Osetobe OSAGIE, a Postgraduate
Student on the Master of Business Administration Regular programme.
Although the Investigative Committee had invited both Professor
Richard I. Akindele and Miss Osagie, only Professor Akindele had
appeared before the Committee, while Miss Osagie is yet to appear or
make any representation. The report indicated that many other witnesses
appeared before the Committee and gave useful evidence. The University
is making efforts to ensure that Miss Osagie appears before the
investigative committee so that it can hear her side of the case and
promptly submit its final report.
The Committee observed that a prima facie case of inappropriate
relationship with the female student had been established against
Professor Richard I. Akindele. The Vice-Chancellor, having carefully and
dispassionately considered the report, also came to the conclusion that
a prima facie case of serious misconduct had been established.
Having regard to the gravity of the offence for which Professor
Richard I. Akindele is found to be prima facie liable, the
Vice-Chancellor, in line with the Code of Conduct for the University
Community and acting under all the laws and regulations of the
University enabling him in that regard, has directed that Professor
Richard I. Akindele be suspended forthwith from the University, pending
the final determination of the disciplinary case against him.
Under the provisions of the relevant Statute of the University, an
academic staff can only be dismissed from service or have his or her
appointment terminated only when the matter on which consideration is
being given has been investigated by a Joint Council and Senate
Committee, and the staff has appeared before the committee with his or
her counsel, if so desired. This procedure is the minimum requirement of
the law and regulations of the University. It should therefore be noted
that the suspension of Professor Richard I. Akindele is on the basis of
the findings of the Investigative Committee that he is prima facie
liable, and this decision will abide, pending the final determination of
the case by the Council of the University.
We will like to reiterate that OAU will continue to do everything
legally and morally acceptable in pursuance of its avowed commitment to
zero tolerance for sexual harassment, intimidation and, or coercion.
