OAU VC Reacts To Sex-For-Mark Scandal

Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, Vice-chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has reacted to the alleged leaked telephone call between Richard Akindele, a Professor in the Department of Accounting, in the institution and a student.

The VC in a statement signed on Wednesday said that anyone found guilty of the case will not be left unpunished, adding that the university has started its investigation to pick out all the persons involved.

Recall THEWHISTLER on Monday reported a leaked audio conversation suggesting that Professor Akindele was demanding sex from a female student to help her pass her exams.

The sex-for-mark scandal has been trending, especially on social media, since Monday when the news broke.

The don, whose name was mentioned in the audio by the victim, is yet to publicly speak on the scandal.

“The attention of the authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has been drawn to an audio recording, now trending on the social media, of a telephone conversation ostensibly between one Professor Akindele and a female student of the university,” the statement read.

“The recording suggests that the lecturer was demanding sex in return for grade which clearly amounts to sexually harassing the lady.

“Since the matter came to our notice, the University has begun the process of identifying the characters involves in this apparent breach of its regulations, the Code of Conduct for the University Community and the Anti-sexual Harassment policy, in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and procedures of the University.

“To this end, the university has set up a high-powered committee to investigate the allegation and submit its report within one week. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with decisively.

“I wish to assure the general public that Obafemi Awolowo University has zero tolerance for sexual harassment. The University considers sexual harassment as a serious offence contrary to its Code of Conduct for the University community and against the Anti-sexual harassment policy of the university. It is totally and morally reprehensible, and the university will never condone such act by any staff or student.

“Once again, I wish to reiterate that no one found culpable of this serious misconduct of sexual harassment will go unpunished.”