The investigative panel set up by Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, to look into the sexual harassment allegation against a lecturer has submitted its report to the vice-chancellor, Eyitope Ogunbodede.

A 400-level student of the department of international relations, faculty of administration, Motunrayo Afolayan, accused the lecturer, Olabisi Olaleye, of sexually harassing her.

Following Ms Afolayan’s petition to the university’s centre for gender and social policy studies, a seven-member panel chaired by the provost of the institution’s postgraduate college, Yetunde Ajibade, was set up to investigate the matter.

Presenting the panel’s report on Monday, Mrs Ajibade said the members discharged their duties without fear or favour.

A statement issued by the university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, noted the university’s zero tolerance for sexual and emotional harassment.

The statement reads in part; “Professor Ogunbodede urged any student or member of the university community to avail themselves of the opportunity of the open door policy of the present administration to report any infringement on their rights by anybody to the appropriate organ of the university for possible investigation and redress.

“Accordingly, the university administration will now present the findings of the panel to the Academic and Promotion Committee of the university for deliberations who, in turn, will present the outcome to the university’ governing council for final decision.”

Mr Olarerwaju said the university would make the final decision on the matter public, even as the vice-chancellor thanked the public for their interest in the university, and pledge to always preserve the academic sanctity and intellectual integrity of the university.