By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Governing Council, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo has condemned in strong terms the alleged rape of a female student of the student by two members of the vigilante group.
The council while condoning with the victim, also declared support to the decisions and efforts made by the institution management, particularly arrest and handing over of the suspects to the police for further investigation.
In a statement by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr Jadesola Babatola, the Council assures the general public that, as a faith-based institution, the university is influenced by Christian ethics and principles that help the university community to be completely equipped for good deeds, adding that the university will never condone any unlawful or degrading acts that can tarnish its highly-cherished image.
The statement reads in part, “The attention of the Governing Council of the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria has been brought to an unfortunate incident that occurred on the University campus in the evening of Thursday, 9th May 2024, resulting in the alleged rape of a female student.
“The Council totally condemns in strong terms the said allegation of sexual violence and considers it an abuse of human rights and consequently empathizes with the victim and her family over the incident. We are investigating the allegation and will get to the root of the matter.
“The Governing Council commends the University Management for its proactive intervention in terms of seeking justice promptly, by handing over the suspects to the Police and providing medical care through personally-targeted psychotherapeutic measures to uplift the victim.
“The Council is grateful for the calls and concerns expressed by concerned bodies. We want to assure the general public that as a faith-based institution, the University is influenced by Christian ethics and principles that help the University Community to be completely equipped for good deeds. The University will never condone any unlawful or degrading acts that can tarnish its highly-cherished image.
“As a body of distinguished individuals of impeccable characters, with proven track records of highest integrity and positively-referenced accomplishments in Episcopacy, Corporate Governance, the Academia and Administration, the Council will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice for the victim.
“The Governing Council wishes to therefore convince the general public and stakeholders of the University particularly our students, parents and sponsors that the University will continue to enforce full compliance with our policy against sexual harassment and any criminal conduct.
“We are therefore committed to support the Management in giving necessary cooperation to the Nigeria Police Force and appropriate relevant agencies for the speedy conclusion of investigation on the allegation.”
