Sex Scandal: OAU Management Sacks Prof. Akindele

OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY
ILE-IFE, NIGERIA

PRESS RELEASE
       

COUNCIL DECISION ON THE AUDIO CONVERSATION BETWEEN PROFESSOR RICHARD AKINDELE AND MS MONICA OSAGIE

Around the 7th of April, 2018 or thereabout, there was an audio conversation between a man and a lady which was sensationally trending on social media because of its explicit sexual tone.  After thorough investigation, it was discovered that the said audio conversation was between a lecturer and a student of our University (OAU) who were later identified to be Professor Richard Akindele and Ms Monica Osagie.

To save the image of the University and to unravel the circumstances that surrounded the whole saga, the University Management set up a committee and mandated it to submit its report within a week.  Furthermore, the Management issued a query to Professor Richard Akindele to explain his role after which he was suspended pending the final determination of the case in line with the University regulations.

Although the committee invited the two persons involved, only Professor Akindele could be initially reached and invited.  This necessitated the submission of an interim report.  However, when the committee eventually succeeded in inviting Ms Monica Osagie, and finally concluded its sittings, it then submitted its final report to the Management.

To disabuse the minds of the general public on the issue of an alleged cover-up, the Vice-Chancellor, on two occasions, issued press releases that were personally signed by him.  The press releases were maximally published by virtually all the media houses and aired by Radio and Television Stations across the globe.

Last Thursday, 14th June, 2018, the University Senate considered the Committee’s Findings that:

(1) Professor Akindele had an inappropriate relationship with his student Miss Osagie.  This was established through their conversation in the audio recording; his reply to the query; the oral evidence; and the printed ‘WhatsApp conversations’ tendered before the Committee.

(2) He had acted in a manner that is seen to have compromised his position as a teacher and examiner, in that, his conversations with Miss Osagie were about examination scores and inducement of favour for the alteration of examination scores.

(3) He offered to change Miss Osagie’s purported “33%” result to a pass mark in consideration for sexual favours, this was established in the audio recording which he admitted.

(4) His claim that Miss Osagie knew that she had passed with a score of ‘45’ but was seeking to score an ‘A’ and that this led to him being sexually harassed by Miss Osagie cannot be supported by any evidence.

(5) Professor Akindele’s actions in requesting for sexual favours from Miss Osagie to change her examination scores was scandalous behaviour that has brought ridicule to the name of the University and has tarnished the reputation of the University, as it portrays the University as an institution where its teachers and examiners trade marks for sexual favours.

(6) From the evidence, Miss Osagie had no idea that she scored ‘45’, a pass mark as later claimed by Professor Akindele, although she later found out she did not fail the course.

(7) Professor Akindele’s claim that he reported Miss Osagie’s ‘harassment’ to his colleagues cannot be supported by any evidence as all his colleagues denied it and one mentioned that she only talked about the matter with him after the audio recording was released over the internet.

(8) Professor Akindele operated in a position of power and authority over Miss Osagie and as such sexually harassed her.

(9) Professor Akindele was liable for all the allegations of misconduct levelled against him.

Accordingly, the Senate recommended that Professor Richard Akindele, having been found liable on all the allegations against him, should be dismissed from the services of the University.

The Council, at its meeting of today, Wednesday, 20th of June, 2018, having considered the recommendation of Senate, as well as the report of the Joint Committee of Council and Senate, decided that Professor Richard I. Akindele should be dismissed from the services of the University for gross misconduct.

The University has also taken further steps to ensure the total elimination of Sexual Harassment (SH) in the OAU Community.  The University has a legal duty to prevent sexual and gender-based harassment within the institution and ensure that both men and women are protected from this menace; and thereby provide conducive environment for teaching and learning.  To achieve this, the university:

(a) is creating more awareness and disseminating information on what constitutes Sexual Harassment (SH) within the university, and noting the veracity of SH concepts which include – sexual solicitation and advances, sex exploitation, prostitution, seduction, pimping, sexual assault, unwanted touching, vulgar sexual jokes, rape among others.  These concepts are well specified in the University Sexual Harassment Policy approved by the University Council in 2013;

(b) has put in place a strategic implementation framework for the SH Policy which will ensure effective/rapid redress mechanisms to incidents of SH.  The SH Policy clearly states mechanisms for reporting and for dealing with SH cases through the committee system.  This would be made more functional;

(c) will continuously educate staff and students about their right to seek redress in cases of SH;

(d) has uploaded, on its website, the Sexual Harassment Policy, under the administrative blog, while copies are being given to students at matriculations, and when staff are newly recruited;

(e) intends to add ‘Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment’ as part of its core values, and openly display this on bill boards.

A whistle-blower policy is also being developed by the University.

OAU is fully committed to the eradication of sexual and other types of harassment from our tertiary institutions and will do all that is possible to nip this menace in the bud.  OAU has zero tolerance for Sexual Harassment and as a renowned University will do everything humanly possible to maintain the rules and regulations of the University.



Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede
Vice-Chancellor
June 20, 2018

Campus Journalists Across Nigeria Frown Against Suspension of Colleague, Demand for Reinstatement

By Uthman Samad

A body of Campus Journalists drawn across different universities in Nigeria, "Free Campus Press Movement" has frowned against the draconic actions of the University of Ibadan management on the suspension of Kunle Adebajo, a notable/award-winning campus Journalist, a student of Law, University of Ibadan who's expected to proceed to law school this year.

In a press statement released by the group of Campus Journalists, it highlighted the group was aimed at ensuring that Press Freedom is guaranteed on campuses across Nigeria and also raising voice in unison against any attempt by University managements to victimize campus Journalists for doing what they do objectively on campuses.

While registering their grievances at the recent development in University of Ibadan as regards the two-semesters suspension of Kunle Adebajo, the group registered their displeasure towards the actions of the management under the Leadership of Prof. Idowu Olayinka.

An excerpt of the press statement states thus, "While we are not contesting the powers of the University to discipline Students, we are very much concerned that the institution management found it very convenient to suspend Kunle Adebajo for his investigative feature titled "UI: The Irony of Fashionable Rooftops and Awful Interiors" published on Guardian Newspaper 2016 -
https://m.guardian.ng/features/ui-the-irony-of-fashionable-rooftops-and-awful-interiors/"

"Not only do we find this strange in the current dispensation of modern terms and in the post colonial era, we also find it strange that the University failed to observe that this intellectual work did not in anyway abuse or defame any personality nor institution but rather aimed to improve the standard of the University. We are deeply disappointed that a University of prestige and calibre like University of Ibadan will fail to observe that ethics of Journalism requires objectivity, we feel the objectivity of Kunle Adebajo was seen as subjectivity by the University management which is appaling"


While explaining the importance of freedom of the press, the release highlighted that, "in the current age where Press Freedom is being preached, we find it very disheartening that University of Ibadan decided to be the premier varsity in suspending campus Journalists". "We would not fold our arms, we call on all well meaning Nigerians to prevail on the University management to rescind the suspension of Mr Adebajo." it added.


In a similar vein, The group has unveiled a campaign which is expected to trend on various social media platforms across the country tagged "#FreeKunleAdebajo. "We are embarking on a massive media campaign and social media campaign. We plead with all media stakeholders to support this move and help end this not just for now but for future of Journalism in Nigeria"

Press Statement Of The Osun Youth Coalition After Her Meeting Held At Osogbo

BEING THE PRESS STATEMENT OF THE OSUN YOUTH COALITION AFTER HER MEETING HELD AT OSOGBO ON THURSDAY 12TH JUNE, 2018

● We condemn the failure of APC in Osun state and reject any mission of continuity from the party
● The past failures of the PDP admnistration and its undemocratic tendencies disqualifies it from being a viable alternative
● The emergence of a masses-oriented third force is inevitable.

 Dear compatriots! As the 2018 Osun gubernatorial election in which the direction which our dear state will tow for the next four years will be determined draw nearer; it is pertinent that all concerned citizens of the state gear up to take critical decisions that will influence the mission to develop our state for the general good. In lieu of the above statement, the Osun Youth Coalition; an assembly of youths across the state met with delegates cutting across all local government of the state. The meeting which deliberated on the history of the state of Osun since her creation in 1991 till date took a critical look at the developments the state has witnessed since then and the need for the youths to take an active role in charting the course for the future. The coalition particularly discussed extensively the state of the State for the past eight (8) years.

Compatriots! In one voice, we make bold to express our displeasure against the anti-people governance in which Osun State has been subjected to across all sectors by the APC led state government with its extension at the federal level. It is clear to all that the position our dear state holds among her fellow states in the nation is pathetic. The state despite its huge natural resources has remained a state where a vast majority of her citizens remain in hunger and misery due to the anti-people policies of the Governor Aregbesola led APC administration.

The state has for eight years thrived on vile propagandas, appeal to pity and escapist ideas of the Aregbesola administration. These we believe should be a point of concern for every citizen of the state. The state government has since inception embarked on deceptive propaganda policies exploiting the population of their collective wealth. Cognizance must also be given to the tendency of the present APC government to always blackmail others for their failures, using this as an escape route to shield itself from criticisms. One of such by the Governor was the common excuse that it was the Goodluck Jonathan led federal government that affected its performance during the first term (2010 – 2014) thereby using it as an opportunity to sell the expired product called Buhari to indigenes of the state. It should be noted that since the inception of the Buhari led APC federal government, the situation has gone from bad to worse for citizens of the state.

The coalition condemns the inhumane treatment of workers which form a major bloc of the population. The workers according to Karl Marx are the producers of wealth; hence, the conditions which the present government has exposed them to is an height of insanity.  We also frown at the payment of half salaries to workers which has earned the governor the nickname ‘Baba Hafusa’. We also condemn the non-payment of pension to pensioners who had served the state meritoriously during their active years. History will also not absolve us if we fail to condemn the brutalization and harassment of pensioners and workers when demanding for their rights.

The coalition in similar light frowns at the state of education in the state despite the bourgeois infrastructure the state government claimed to have invested in it. The state government has failed to device means to rescue the state of education in the state rather it has embarked on failed policies which are not even sustainable. One of such is the Opón ìmò which was dead on arrival as it failed to make the necessary impact it was supposed to make. The state government instead of all-round development of educational infrastructure rather embarked on propaganda titanic ships termed mega schools which cannot serve the population. This has led to the woeful performance of the state in external examinations relegating her among other states in the federation. Also, the harassment of teachers under one quality control policy is condemnable and should not be encouraged in any sane society. As youths, we attach more priority to education as it defines our future, security and the glory of the state. The poor state of education in the state hereby makes us unfit to compete with our contemporaries in the corporate world.

 Finally, the debt status of the state has become so frightening that we as youths fear for our future under this current regime. The present government in its defense gave the ongoing construction projects in the state as an excuse for this huge debt profile; however, after careful analysis it became glaring that these bourgeois projects are ploy to cover up the huge corruption going on in the state. This is exemplified by ongoing airport project which has not witnessed any reasonable development despite the huge billions the government claimed to have spent.

Sequel to the above reasons, the coalition hereby assert that the state needs a fresh approach as the APC has failed and can no longer lead the state with any reasonable progress. The coalition therefore proceeded to evaluate all available alternative to this present hegemony that has bedeviled the state.
 It however bequeaths us not to be aliens to the fact that the People’s Democratic Party is on no parlance a progressive alternative to the APC as the ideology bears little or no difference. The PDP has failed to learn its lessons from her failure at the 2015 polls and has continually failed in her duty as the major opposition party as it has been unable to offer constructive criticism to the ruling party. The PDP has continually exhibited undemocratic tendencies in its internal affairs as the party has refused to accommodate any form of dissent from party faithfuls who are unsatisfied with how the affairs of the party is coordinated. This to us, is a sign of things to come if the party emerges in the September polls; that is, its emergence would usher in a new wave of dictatorship in the state.

 Furthermore, the aspirants on the platform of the PDP have all failed in proffering meaningful solutions to the crises in the state. Their campaigns have been so far empty and bereft of visions as it has been more of a show of wealth than ideas. Also, the aspirants on the platform of the PDP are  political vegetables in the politics of Osun state whose ability to wrestle power from the APC is greatly in doubt as they don’t have the required political support base and track record to wrestle power from the ruling party, this is due to their lack of vision and ideas to move the state forward and as such their inability to appeal to the rank and file of the citizens of the state.

  It is evident that both the broom and umbrella house mealy-mouthed opportunists who are more keen on their selfish interests than the collective interests and progress of the good people of Osun. This has further shown the need for a third force in the politics of the state to serve as an alternative to this two expired platforms. Therefore, we have begun a critical analysis of the best candidate to bring the necessary vigor and ideas which will serve as an alternative to the PDP and APC. In achieving this however, we will not fail to employ all thorough checks in arriving at a logical and progressive consensus, in a weighty appraisal of all aspirants in search of a credible candidate. This decision stands firmly guided by wealth of experience, love for the masses, progressive antecedents, integrity, clear-cut understanding of the challenges confronting the state, responsiveness and sense of responsibility, among other germane factors.

As we celebrate Democracy in our dear nation, we assertively pitch our tents under the roof that was injured in the wake of June 12, 1993 when democracy got a big blow dealt on its pride in our dear nation. Necessity beckons on all youths today to support the movement to revive democracy in our nation.

It is in view of this that the Osun Youth Coalition with thousands of members in the state cutting across every polling unit would continue to engage the population on the need to ensure that progress is restored with the outcome of governorship race of the state in the September elections via ample use of our Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). Our unity would be however pivotal in ensuring that our voice commands progress, peace and good standard of living for the virtuous people of Osun State.

Thank you

Signed:
Bamidele Joshua
0818 906 4205
Publicity Secretary,  Osun Youth Coalition

OAU Students Jubilate As Magistrate Dismisses Court Case

By Farombi Oluwaseun

The magistrate court at Ajebamidele, Ile-Ife, has  today dismissed the case of the five students of Obafemi Awolowo university facing trials for allegedly harrasing the Moremi hall warden.

The Case which has been adjourned for six times from  April 3, April 29, May 12, May 24, June 4 till today June 14,2018.

Barr. Olawale , the defence counsel of the students pleaded  that the judge should strike out the case so far the prosecuting counsel didn't bring legal adviser to provide the necessary documents after it has been adjourned due to same reason.

“These students are going through a psychological trauma and I am also coming from Lagos every time to attend to this case, I want to beg this court to strike out this case ", He further added.

Justice Omisade F. I. ,the justice presiding over the case,
after hearing the plead dismissed the case because the state’s defence counsel didn't provide an advisory release from the state.

Speaking with one of the students present at the court who pleaded anonymity , he said this is a victory at last for the students as delay tactics has been implemented to frustrate the students.

"" This is nothing but oppression. No credits to the university management." he added.

However, reacting to the development, the university management through the Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, stated that the university is not concerned about the case.

In his words, he said "The University management didn't charge them to court, the Nigerian Police Force did".

It will be recalled that five students namely Gbenga Oloruniran, a 400 level students of Geography; Olajide Ademola, a 500 level student of Electrical Electronics; Oyedeji Samson, 300 level student of Pharmacy; Jimoh Oladipupo, 300 level student of Biochemistry; and Adeniji John, 300 level student of Electrical Electronics Engineering were arrested on March 21 for allegedly harassing Moremi hall warden during the eviction of residents of students over renovation.

They were further  charged to court by the Nigeria Police for  opposing the eviction of students from Moremi hostel by the university management

Moghalu Alleges FG Of 'Witch-hunting' Instead Of Fighting Corruption.

By Uthman Samad

Kingsley Moghalu,a Presidential aspirant in the forthcoming 2019 Election, has alleged the Federal Government of Nigeria of witch-hunting political officers in place of fighting corruption.


The aspirant and a former CBN official,  made the allegations on June 12 at the Oduduwa hall of Obafemi Awolowo university Ile Ife during his address at the Annual 'The LeaderShift Conference' organized by Equity Chambers of the faculty of law.

" Nigerians believe this present Government will fight corruption on a free and clear notion, which the hope has been led into witchhunting."

"I will  make sure the EFCC, CBN and other pivotal agencies and parastatals of Government are totally independent and free away from the interference and order of the presidency." He promised

He further lamented on the handling of security matters in system and how this "has put the lives of the common  and poor Nigerians Into Dangers"

 "it's so ashaming and ridiculing as Nigeria has over 35,000 police officers which one over Ten of it are to guide The so called leaders and Big men and women of the society." Moghalu said

"I will, if elected, reform and make New and modern technology that will be devised to complement the activities of the forces. I will also reform the Border security has Nigeria is having one of the world porus border in Africa and refill the nation's security" he emphasised.

Another Presidential aspirant,Prof. Remi shonaiya, one of the penalist at the conference, while addressing the audience commented on the recently passed bill on Youths participation in governance.

'NottooyoungToRun bill, if exercised ultimately and mandated on a clear note, will shift the powers to the leaders of tomorrow from today. France is just a perfect example with a 39year-old man as the leader over millions." She said

" If Nigeria will be in comparison with developed nation's of the world, New need to work and reshape our ways of thinking and perspective on national issues."

While admonishing Students to be the catalyst of the change expected, She  opined that;

"Development and change can not surface with too much hope in a leader. We should all know that with our mind and hands we can change the record. Change is not a day job nor overnight but gradual."

"Indigenous Language , An Active Agent of Development" - Professor Chima Anyadike

By Alabi Aderonke

Languages as reflectors of culture provide the best way to relay stories in their true pictures. These stories shape the individual and collective lives in Africa. As a matter of fact, our actions are the results of stories we tell ourselves and the ones told or written by others about us and our society.

These were the remarks of the newly appointed Professor of Literature-in-English, Professor Chima Anyadike at the 320th inaugural lecture of Obafemi Awolowo University, which held at Oduduwa hall, OAU, on the 12th of June, 2018.  The professor who specialized in African fiction and literature delivered the lecture titled: LIVING OUR STORIES IN AFRICA:  FICTION FICTIONALITY AND THE WISDOM OF UNCERTAINTY.

Professor Anyadike, the literati, remarked that he had once been challenged by a friend why he should be paid for reading and analyzing stories. He further opined that through the reading and study of stories from diverse minds and cultures, people acquire an attitude of mind that creatively responds to the complexity and diversity of human situations.

In his academic research, he worked on fiction and decolonization in Africa. He took a look on how African fictions authors wrote to push for the decolonization of Africans both home and in diaspora. The two leading writers he spoke of were Chinua Achebe who wanted a reformed Africa, and Ngugi Wa who wanted a revolution.

Professor Anyadike emphasized that authentic dialogues should also exist in indigenous language fictional works, which should continuously receive encouragement and active support through government policies. He pointed out that Africans writers are of the view that both  indigenous and foreign language literature should coexist. A Russian philosopher of language, Mikhail Bakhtin stressed the dialogic nature of language such that writing fictions is essentially engaging in language practices. In addition, Andrew Robinson says "... To exist is to engage in dialogue, and dialogue must not ccome to an end... "

Nevertheless, one of the most important reasons why Achebe's fiction will endure has to do with how a genuine dialogue exists, especially in his novels of Igbo traditional life between English and Igbo language and the worldview.

Pinpointing the advantage of indigenous languages in inculcating values and culture, reference was made to the project of Professor Babatunde Aliyu Fafunwa on the use of  indigenous languages in Primary school education which has recorded innumerable success. In the same vein, the use of indigenous language has been a trail for landmark success for most developed countries. The Professor expressed that Japan put up a spirited struggle through vigorous policy implementation to ensure that their youths are educated in indigenous languages,  and that people learnt English only for commercial purpose and not as a lingua franca.

Moreover, the attitudes of educated parents varies from person to person. Some parents encourage the teaching of indigenous languages while some discourage it,  supposedly to prevent a retardation in the acquisition of English language skills. Although such prejudice is not considered for other foreign languages such as French.

Little wonder that the department of African languages and literature in Nigerian and other African Universities are not truly advocating the learning of the local languages. However, African languages such as Yoruba, Hausa, Shona and Swahili are better  taught in the Department of African languages in University of Wisconsin Madison, USA.

He summed up his speech by expressing that the production, reading, teaching and promotion of literary fiction is necessary for our educational development to inculcate open, inclusive, progressive and diverse views of human life. However, the dialogues should be in indigenous African languages because African voices weaken with the polyphony language practice of fiction making in Africa.

OAU Peeps News Agency Inducts New Members Amongst More Than 150 Applicants.

By Ganiyu Ayanniyi 

OAU Peeps News Agency on Saturday, 9th June 2018 inducted new members.

The induction which held at ALT C, Faculty of Agriculture , anchored by Abdulwahab Lanre(OAU Peeps General Secretary)  was attended by notable Campus Journalists & News correspondents.

The new inductees include; Mr. Ayanniyi & Mr. Olushola from faculty of Arts, Mr. Moses from faculty of Law and Miss Aghogho from faculty of Science amongst others.

Renowned campus journalists present at the event include Farombi  Oluwaseun Babafaros( Editor-in-Chief, OAU Peeps News Agency),Oludiran Olusola (the ACJ General Secretary), Adejumo Kabir (Editor, Newstrack), Olufemi Alfred (Editor, Kilonshele), Uthman Samad(Deputy Editor, OAU Peeps News Agency), Akinfenwa Olaitan(Deputy EIC),
 Kingsley NOVEL Nigeria (President ,Agric. Economics) and many other distinguished guests.

Special guests at the event who stands as a bedrock for the agency include Ojelabi JesuJoba (President PANS OAU), Durodola Abiola EPORTAH( Former President, Federation Of Ibadan Students ) & Adigun Paul (Former Deputy Editor-in-Chief, OAU Peeps),

The Editor-in-Chief of OAU Peeps News Agency,  Farombi Oluwaseun started the event by  welcoming the inductees to the program & to the news Agency. He further geared them to work diligently to always make OAU Peeps News Agency the leading agency on OAU Campus as it has been.

Also, Uthman Samad (Deputy Editor  Journalist, OAU Peeps), welcomed the inductees and told them to count themselves amongst the lucky beings as he expressed that over 150 people applied but few were selected.

Furthermore, the inductees received lectures from Adejumo Kabir who taught them the "Ethics of Journalism and Investigative Journalism ", further lectures were received from  Uthman Samad who lectured them on "Writing a news report" as lectures were also received from Olufemi Alfred who talked on a topic titled "Juggling Academics with Journalism" and finally the General Secretary of Association of Campus Journalist, Oludiran Olusola who spoke on "Registration of new members and Renewal of old members" and also on "Benefit of Association of Campus Journalist"

The inductees were formally  swore in through an oath by  Farombi Oluwaseun, the Editor-in-Chief, OAU Peeps News Agency.

The induction program ended in grand style while the host, inductees, guests all shot pictures and had fun.