OAU dismisses lecturer over sexual harassment

BLESSING AKOROWOSI, Osogbo

The Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has dismissed Dr. Adebayo Mosobalaje, a lecturer of the Department of English Language over sexual demeanor against a female student.

According to a release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, the decision to dismiss Dr. Mosobalaje was taken by the University Council after he was found guilty at its sitting on Monday, 7th September, 2021.

The management avowed its determination to rid the University of any form of sexual intimidation, harassment and coercion.

“Having deliberated on the report of the Joint Committee of Council and Senate, which investigated the case of sexual harassment against Dr Mosobalaje, the University Council, unambiguously declared its zero tolerance to sexual harassment in any form or guise and, accordingly, applied the appropriate University sanctions for such an offence as contained in the University regulation.

“It would be recalled that two weeks ago, the University Management formally inaugurated an “anti – sexual harassment policy” where their excellencies, Erelu Bisi Fayemi (the wife of Ekiti State Governor) and Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola (the wife of Osun State Governor) presented papers while a former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Professor Yemisi Obilade, was the main speaker.

“At several fora, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to uphold the “Zero tolerance policy” for Sexual harassment and other social vices.

“The Council of University Chaired by Owelle Oscar Udoji has also pledged to support policies that promote mutual co-existence between all the members of the University Community,” stated the release.