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Tag: OAU

  • Sex-for-mark scandal: Police may be involved in probe – OAU VC

    Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), has disclosed that the school management may involve the police to clarify a telephone conversation implicating the institution professor demanding sex from a female student.

    Ogunbodede revealed this while speaking to Punch in Osogbo on Sunday.

    A yet-to-be identified female student at the university last week released a telephone conversation between her and the professor where the latter was heard demanding five rounds of sex from the student to upgrade her mark from 33 to a pass.

    The VC said although the university had not reported the case to the police, it might involve them to get to the root of the matter if investigation ran into a hitch.

    He said, “We have a committee that is investigating the matter now and we gave them one week to submit their report. If we run into any hitch, we can use all the resources available to get to where we are going. But once things are running smoothly, we may not need to involve the police.

    “But we must first identify those involved and where they are; if we have any problem doing that, then that is when the university will invite the police.

    “The committee’s one week will elapse by Wednesday. We will brief you about it. I need to state that we have excellent relationship with the police, the DSS and others.”

    Meanwhile, a professor, who is a former colleague of the embattled don, has said that the audio recording may not be strong evidence to nail the lecturer.

    The professor, who did not want to be identified, said the female student was a blackmailer seeking to destroy the lecturer because of her “brainlessness and laziness.”

    He said, “I have thought again on the audio recording and I want you to examine this: there is no portion in the audio recording where the name of OAU was mentioned.

    “This is a major issue and therefore, I am sure that OAU may not own the audio for legal reasons. It will be difficult to address this matter in court when the chips are down.

    “The audio is not a brilliant recording because many necessary ingredients that can expose such matters are missing in the audio.”

  • Sex-for-mark scandal: Wife of OAU Prof says ‘Devil is at work…’

    Wife of the embattled Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, lecturer Professor Richard Akindele, has blamed the devil for her husband’s alleged sex extortion.

    Recall that TheNewsGuru had earlier published a leaked audio of the lecturer in which he allegedly offered a female student five romps with him in order to upgrade her exam score.

    Reacting to the viral audio which was confirmed by Akindele’s congregants to be his voice, his wife blames the devil.

    According to her, the devil is out to ruin her husband’s reputation.

    A report published by Premium Times details how one of the congregants who defended the lecturer, quoted Prof Akindele’s wife, that “the devil is at work to soil the name of her husband”.

    The congregant said, “When we heard the news, some of us were surprised. We were at his house very early this (Tuesday) morning but only met his wife who said the devil is at work to soil the name of her husband.”

  • OAU VC speaks on sex-for-marks scandal

    The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, has on Wednesday reacted to a leaked audio that shows a professor in the institution demanding sex from a female student to help her pass her exams.

    In a statement he personally signed, the Vice Chancellor, Eyitope Ogunbodede, said the university has begun the process of identifying the person involved. He said the act is a breach of regulations of the university’s code of conduct and anti-sexual harassment policy.

    “In full compliance to all applicable laws, 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.

    “The university considers sexual harassment as an offence punishable contrary to the code of conduct and anti-sexual harassment policy. The university will never condone such act by any staff or students,” the professor said.

    Also the Chairman of Congress of University Academics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Niyi Sunmonu, said if it is established that the leaked audio is true, the perpetrator is not fit to be in academic environment.

    “Lecturers are expected to mould the lives of students,” the lecturer said.

    Also, the national coordinator of Educational Rights Campaign, Hassan Soweto, condemned the act, saying previous sexual harassment cases in the university were not properly dealt with.

    While speaking on a radio program, Frank Talk, on Rave 91.7 FM, Osogbo, the activist, a former student of the university, called for an independent panel that should include elected representatives from staff unions, students and women NGOs.

  • OAU speaks on Sex Scandal, Says Its Investigating Veracity Of The Allegation

    The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said an enquiry committee has been set up to investigate the veracity of the sex scandal involving a professor of the varsity, Pastor Richard Akindele, who was caught on tap soliciting for five rounds of sex from a female student in exchange for marks.

    Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, OAU spokesperson said, “The University is aware and we are setting up machinery to critically look at the issue to determine the veracity, otherwise there won’t be conclusion.”

    An audio went viral online with the voice of the lecturer demanding sex from one of his female students who has failed his course. He claimed he would assist the student pass if only she agrees to have sex with him.

    Excerpt of the converstaion of the lecturer, Akindele and the female student:

    Student: It’s a lie, not possible. So what’s the plan now?

    Lecturer: Let’s have the first one today and then we will do another one tomorrow. Is our agreement not five times?

    Student: Is it B that you want to give me or C? Why would it be five times you will knack me?

    Lecturer: That’s what I will do.

    Student: Prof, you know what? Let me fail it. I can’t do it five times. For what nah? No worry. Thank you, sir

  • Sex scandal: Student exposes OAU professor who demanded sex for marks [Audio]

    Sex scandal: Student exposes OAU professor who demanded sex for marks [Audio]

    A randy Professor of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife has been exposed by a female student over demanding for sex from her.

    In the audio, which leaked on Monday, the student repeatedly addressed the other person in the conversation as ‘Prof. Akindele’, who, later, protested: ‘stop calling my name!’

    In the leaked audio which has since gone viral, the professor demanded for several rounds of sex with the student who later declined the offer.

    The Professor [Actual name withheld], according to an OAU academic staff who spoke in confidence with TheNewsGuru said the accused ‘Prof’ has been caught three years ago for engaging in the sex-for-mark practice.

    Enitan failed a certain course taught by the professor who flagrantly negotiated sex for marks from her.

    Clips of the audio are presently being circulated on social media, sparking various reactions from concerned Nigerians.

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    Listen to the audio below

     

     

    Student: Hello Sir, Professor Akindele, yesterday you said something but because I was close to my boyfriend I could not say anything. You said you’ve submitted it

    Lecturer: I gave you an opportunity and you missed it. Forget about it. You will do it next year.

    Student: I was calling to confirm whether you were serious about it.

    Lecturer: Me that agreed to do something. I know what I meant. If you don’t trust me, forget about it. If I wouldn’t do it, why should I give you audience in the first place? If I am not interested in doing it, I won’t give you audience in the first instance. The other person has come and I told her straight away because there is nothing I can do to bail that person out and her mark is even better than your own. The person scored 39 while your own is 33. Only two people failed the course so what else do you want me to do. You can see it anytime you come, we are at Moro doing exam, we are doing MBA executive exam. They are just starting. I will finish by 4:30 and maybe 5, I should be in the office. If you are ready, come by 5:00. Why did you tell me you were on your period the other time.

    Student: I was really seeing my period Professor Akindele.

    Lecturer: Stop mentioning my name. And now nko?.

    Student: I am not on my period now.

    Lecturer: Your boyfriend has done it yesterday?

    Student: Is it every time that someone will be doing with the boyfriend? Is it every time you do it with your wife?

    Lecturer: Yes

    Student: It’s a lie, not possible. So what’s the plan now?

    Lecturer: Let’s have the first one today and then we will do another one tomorrow. Is our agreement not five times?

    Student: Is it B that you want to give me or C? Why would it be five times you will knack me?

    Lecturer: That’s what I will do.

    Student: Prof, you know what? Let me fail it. I can’t do it five times. For what nah? No worry. Thank you, sir

    Lecturer: You are welcome.

  • OAU opens ICT knowledge-driven Park

    The Nigerian Computer Association says a knowledge-driven park with a Centre of Excellence in ICT situated in the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to train software engineers will be ready in May.

    Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, the President of the Nigerian Computer Association made this known on Wednesday at an Academia-Industry Engagement/Interface seminar in Lagos.

    The World Bank, the sponsor of the park known as Oak-Park, has donated eight million dollars toward its development since 2014 when it started.

    The park is aimed at creating a regionally recognised and knowledge-driven high quality post graduate education, and will ensure the uptake and commercialisation of research and technology to advance the growth of ICT industry.

    Aderounmu, who is the Director of the project, said the inside the park would be a Centre of Excellence in ICT, which would serve as a training hub in software engineering for Nigeria and other countries in the sub-region.

    “It will develop the next generation of scientists, researches, teachers, entrepreneurs and product developers in the area of ICT by enrolling new post graduate students from Nigeria and West African countries.’’

    He said the Oak-Park would provide the launch pad for start-up companies produced from the university and would enable partnering with ICT companies.

    “The Oak-Park will stimulate creativity and excellence in research and innovation in ICT applicable to other fields and related to regional developmental objectives.

    “It will expand learning opportunities for postgraduate students in all the sectors by deploying existing and new development in ICT for which OAU is leading in the sub region.

    “The park will leverage on the intellectual infrastructure and output of the university to serve as the launch pad for start-up ICT companies borne out of university’s research activities by partnering companies.’’

    He said some of the existing facilities that would make up the park were data centre servicing 400 computer nodes, cyber security research laboratory, post graduate research ICT laboratories among others.

    Aderounmu said that for the project to thrive, the university would have to collaborate with ICT companies.

    “The university cannot do it alone without the help of ICT companies, and that is why we are here today to show you what the park is about and how you can be part of the business,’’ he said.

    He said the park would also provide employment opportunities for postgraduate students,“ he said.

    Aderounmu expressed the hope that the project would be completed in May.

     

  • Fraud: Court grants ex-OAU VC, Elujoba bail

    An Osun State High Court has granted bail to an ex-Acting Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Anthony Elujoba and the bursar of the university, Mrs. Aderonke Akeredolu, who are standing trial for alleged stealing.

    Justice David Oladimeji granted bail to the two accused persons in the ruling he delivered on Friday. Elujoba was granted bail on self-recognition while the bursar was granted bail in the sum of N50 million and two sureties.

    There is wild jubilation at the court premises immediately the judge granted the bail and workers and students started chanting Elujoba.

    Elujoba and Akeredolu are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on seven counts of stealing among other charges.

    The judge shifted his sitting from the High Court in Ede to Osogbo and security was tightened at the High Court premises in Osogbo on Friday.

    Scores of OAU workers and students had laid siege to the Ede High Court on Tuesday and forced the judge to reverse his earlier order that Elujoba and the bursar should be remanded at Ilesa Prison.

    The protest lasted over four hours as the workers including professors and students vowed to prevent anybody from taking Elujoba to the prison.

    The judge eventually reversed himself and ordered that the former acting VC be taken back to the EFCC custody from where he was brought to court on Tuesday.

    Elujoba acted as vice chancellor for less than one year and he paid workers allowances of over N1 billion among other steps he took to restore peace to the university which was in chaos before he took charge.

  • OAU VC, bursar summoned by EFCC over N1bn allowance

    The acting Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Anthony Elujoba, and the Bursar, Mrs. Aderonke Akeredolu, has been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the payment of an ‘unapproved’ hazard allowances to the institution’s workers.

    The allowances paid to the academic and non-academic staff were over N1 billion and were sourced from the university’s endowment funds account, which is usually dedicated for projects.

    But the spokesperson for the university, Biodun Olarewaju, argued that the specific fund used in paying the allowances was not attached to any project in the account.

    It was also gathered that certain allowances earmarked for the office of the VC were also being investigated by the federal agency.

    The invitation was confirmed in a letter obtained on Monday.

    The letter, signed by Oseni Kazeem of the Southwest Zonal Office of the commission in Ibadan, Oyo State, advised the invited officers to come along with necessary documents.

    The letter reads in part, “The office is currently investigating a case in which there is the need to obtain clarification from you. In view of the foregoing, you and your bursar are requested to report to our office for an interview.

    “You are also to come along with the following documents: the salary payment schedule/any other payment made to senior staff and junior staff in August and September, 2016; payment vouchers relating to furniture allowances paid to the VC from the day he assumed office to date; certified true copies of the monthly salary pay slips of the VC from the day he assumed office to date.”

    Olarewaju said the payment of the allowances should not be tagged as misappropriation.

    “The acting VC has been invited by the EFCC to come and make some clarification and as a law abiding citizen, he will attend. Afterwards, we will know what to do.

    “The fund used to pay the allowances cannot amount to misappropriation. The said money was not attached to any project or anything. It was just in the account.

    “And, of course, when the life of a member of the staff of the university was threatened by those who are agitating for the payment, the acting VC had to save the situation by paying the allowances to douse the tension.

    “You will agree with me that, since then, there have been peace on campus. It was not that the money was in that account for a particular project and was diverted. The issue of misappropriation does not arise here.”

    Sources said that upon resumption of office, the acting VC paid hazard allowances to the workers after continuous protest and unrest in the university.

    It would be recalled that the hazard allowances were a major reason why members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities at the institution protested against the former administration headed by Prof. Bamitale Omole.

  • OAU first-class graduate, Bibilari Elebuibon announced dead on graduation day

    OAU first-class graduate, Bibilari Elebuibon announced dead on graduation day

    A pin drop silence enveloped Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State yesterday, when the news of the death of one of the best graduating students, Bibilari Elebuibon, was announced.

    Elebuibon, who was the best in Yoruba Language in the Faculty of Arts, was said to have died in an accident in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, in July 2016.

    It became a harvest of tears among his colleagues and some others present when his name was called by the dean of his faculty, Prof. Gbemisola Adeoti, for a prize and the school’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, stepped forward to call for a minute silence in his honour.

    Elebuibon who was among the 66 first-class graduates, was a son of a popular Ifa priest in Osogbo, Chief Yemi Elebuibon.

    Present at the ceremony were the Chancellor of OAU, who is also the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Ooni of Ife, who is also the Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori.

    Also, President Muhammadu Buhari was ably represented at the ceremony by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Adamu Rasheed, who said his administration was working hard to ensure more Nigerian youths were productively engaged.

    He said, “In September, 2016, our unemployment rate reached a high value of 17.9 per cent as compared to 9.9 per cent the previous year. I intend to remind you that although this administration is doing its best to provide jobs for the teeming population of Nigerian youths, our efforts still need to be complemented by the private sector.

    “We have been bringing on board several entrepreneurship initiatives to create an enabling environment for job creators to not only thrive, but excel.

    “Promotion of local products, encouragement of export markets, tapping of indigenous raw materials, etc., are some of the avenues for this to operate. As fresh graduates with invigorating ideas, you are encouraged to forward your proposals under the appropriate parastatals and agencies.”

  • 42nd Convocation : OAU graduates 6827 students

    42nd Convocation : OAU graduates 6827 students

    The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, commenced her 42nd Convocation Ceremonies for undergraduates and postgraduate students on Wednesday with 6827 students graduating.

    The Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Anthony Elujoba who presided over the ceremony gave an very insightful lecture on “The philosophy of doing things right.”

    He remarked in his lecture that most of the problems encountered, not only by the university but the country is the failure in doing things right which has been the source of most problems.

    While highlighting his numerous challenges as well as the successes during his administration, he stated that he belonged to no camp as he prefers to assume a neutral stance.

    “I belong to no camp, nor party. Everyone is my friend. I have no foe. It has been a sleepless challenge to serve as VC for the past four months. However, we need to put the past behind us and look forward to growth whilst making truth and faith our watchword, “Professor Elujoba stated.

    He also stated that the university had been peaceful and accountable under his four month watch and pleaded for peace and cooperation amongst sister unions for the purpose of a smooth transition at the end of his six months acting tenure.