Again, OAU Sacks Lecturer Over Sexual Harassment Of Female Student

By Ayodele Oni

The Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile Ife, has dismissed another lecturer for alleged sexual harassment of a female student.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju explained that the decision was taken in the avowed determination to rid the University of any form of sexual intimidation, harassment and, or coercion.

The statement reads “The Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has dismissed another lecturer who was found guilty of sexual misdemeanor against a female student.

“The decision to dismiss Dr. Adebayo Mosobalaje, of the Department of English Language, in the Faculty of Arts, was taken by the University Council at its last sitting on Monday 7th September, 2021.

“Having exhaustively deliberated on the report of the Joint Committee of Council and Senate, which investigated the case of sexual harassment against Dr Mosobalaje, the University Council, unambiguously declared  its zero tolerance to sexual harassment in any form or guise and, accordingly,  applied the appropriate University sanctions for such an offence as contained in the University regulation.

“It would be recalled that almost two weeks ago, the University Management formally inaugurated an “anti – sexual harassment policy” where their excellencies, Erelu Bisi Fayemi (the wife of Ekiti State Governor) and Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola (the wife of Osun State Governor) presented papers while a former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Professor Yemisi Obilade, was the main speaker.

“At several fora, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, had reiterated the commitment of his administration to uphold the “Zero tolerance policy” for Sexual harassment and other social vices.

“The Council of the University, Chaired by Owelle Oscar Udoji, has also pledged to support policies that promote mutual co- existence between all the members of the University Community.”

Just less than two years ago, there was a celebrated case of a female student who accused one of her lecturers of scoring her with low marks for refusing his sexual advances.

After a Committee set up by the University found the lecturer guilty, he was dismissed.