Sex-for-mark: CPC Asks OAU To Conduct Comprehensive Investigation
The Consumer Protection Council has urged authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife , Osun State , to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged case of sex – for -marks involving a lecturer at the institution , Professor Richard Akndele, and a student , Monica Osagie .
The CPC, while commending the institution for its prompt action, called for the involvement of stakeholders in the education sector , including officials of the National Human Rights Commission.
The Director General of the agency, Babatunde Irukera , in a statement on Monday , asked the management of the school to encourage contributions from other students whose identities should be protected .
The statement said , “ The Consumer Protection Council has keenly followed a raging controversy regarding the sexually and emotionally abusive conduct of demanding and/or providing sexual gratification in exchange for favourable grades in schools.
“ Although the widely discussed controversy underscores an allegedly pervasive practice , the current specific subject of discussion is a leaked and widely circulated audio clip that appeared to have captured a telephonic conversation or ‘ negotiation’ between a female student and a lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile Ife . The audio clip has been authenticated and both the member of faculty and student /victim identified .
“ To promote confidence , equity and fairness, the council recommends that OAU authorities, in handling this case , include people and views from all relevant stakeholders , including lecturers, professional disciplinary bodies , student representation , relevant civil society specialising in sexual harassment, gender objectification and relevant institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission and the CPC. ”
The agency advised that the investigation should encourage contributions from identified and anonymous sources , adding that there should be protection for volunteers .
It also asked that the school management safeguard such volunteers from victimisation and reprisals.
“ 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 , because educational outcomes skewed by such factors operate to the disadvantages of all .
“ All relevant authorities in OAU and other institutions must assiduously address this conduct, or others ancillary to it, in order to restore institutional reputation and ensure that students , being consumers of educational services, are able to pursue scholarship in institutions and on campuses that provide safe , secure and liberal environment where the relationship between lecturers and students leads to robust and confident knowledge sharing , ” the statement added .