Sex-for-marks scandal: CPC commends OAU over sexual harassment case

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has commended prompt actions by
the management of Obafeme Awolowo University (OAU) in the alleged
sexual harassment of one of its female students.

DAILY POST recalls that the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo
University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Eyitope Ogunbodede, had taken immediate
action over a leaked audio suggesting that one Richard Akindele, a
Professor in the Department of Accounting, in the institution was
demanding sex from a female student to help her pass her examination.

The Director-General of CPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera, gave the
commendation on Monday in a statement by Mr Abiodun Obimuyiwa, CPC
Head of Media.

Irukera said the council had keenly followed the raging controversy
regarding the sexually and emotionally abusive conduct of demanding,
and or providing sexual gratification in exchange for favourable
grades in school.

He said, "CPC notes the prompt actions taken by the authorities of OAU
and commends the responsiveness so far displayed, in addressing a
rather insidious and predatory incident.

"The Council further welcomes the expressed commitment of OAU to an
open and transparent investigation, as well as the promise to publish
the outcome of the investigation.

"The Council encourages OAU to ensure this investigation is broad,
balanced and inclusive."

Irukera, however, urged management of the school to include people and
views from all relevant stakeholders in handling the case to promote
confidence, equity and fairness.

He named such stakeholders to include faculty, professional
disciplinary bodies, student representation, relevant civil society
specialising in sexual harassment, gender objectification, consumer
protection and institutions such as the National Human Rights
Commission.

The CPC boss also urged the school management to ensure the
investigative process encouraged contributions and protected both
identified and anonymous contributors.

He said the authorities must in addition provide necessary safeguards
that, such persons were not otherwise victimised, "blacklisted" or
subjected to any reprisal on account of their cooperation with the
investigation.

"a transparent, comprehensive and decisive approach to a matter of
this nature is vital for reputation and quality of education.

"Failure to fully and sufficiently address the issue compromises the
entire institution and victimises not only the students who are
directly solicited, induced or compelled, but others who decline, and
those who are not considered or propositioned.

"This is because educational outcomes skewed by such factors operate
to the disadvantage of all, especially where class rank is a factor in
evaluating performance," Irukera said.