- The authorities of OAU identified one Miss Monica Osagie as the student involved in the sex-for-marks scandal
- Osagie is said to be studying for MBA in the institution
- The VC of the institution said efforts are ongoing to ensure that Osagie appears before the investigative committee to hear her side of the story
The authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Thursday, April 19, said Monica Osagie was the student involved in a sex-for-marks scandal, which has sorely questioned the morality of university dons, in the training of young Nigerians.
Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, the vice chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), said Monica Osetobe Osagie was studying for a Masters in Business Administration.
He also announced the suspension of Professor Richard Akindele, the don involved in the salacious scandal.
Ogunbodede’s action followed the submission of the interim report of the committee set up to investigate the allegation of sexual harassment revealed in audio recording.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a recorded audio conversation of the don demanding for sex to increase the marks of a female undergraduate had gone viral.
“The committee observed that a prima facie case of an inappropriate relationship with the female student had been established against Professor Richard I. Akindele”.
The vice chancellor said that though the investigative committee invited both Akindele and Osagie, only Akindele appeared before the committee.
“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,’’ he said.
Explaining why the lecturer was yet to be sacked, the vice chancellor said that the provisions of the relevant statute of the university must be followed.
“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;
“Also 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.
“This decision will abide, pending the final determination of the case by the council of the University”, the vice chancellor said.
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Ogunbodede said that the university would continue to do everything legally and morally acceptable in pursuance of its avowed commitment to zero tolerance for sexual harassment, intimidation and, or coercion.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that Professor Ogunbodede said that the institution may involve the police to verify a telephone conversation involving Professor Akindele.
The VC stated this while speaking to newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday, April 15.
He said that the case had not been reported to the police by the university, but it might involve them to get to the root of the matter if investigation runs into a hitch.
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Source: Naija.ng
