Sexual misconduct: OAUTH CMD directs removal of beds from offices

The Chief Medical Director of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor John Okeniyi, has announced the removal of beds from offices within the hospital to combat sexual harassment.

This measure, he explained, is aimed at curbing misconduct, particularly against female staff.

Speaking during a press briefing at the hospital complex while presenting a progress report on his one-year administration, Prof Okeniyi emphasised that the presence of beds in offices, especially under the guise of night shifts, could provoke sexual misconduct.

He noted that the institution is taking strict actions to address this issue.

“For those who cannot control their libido, they will have the law to contend with. Besides that, we will remove beds from offices being used under the guise of night shift,” Okeniyi stated.

“Having beds in offices could provoke sexual harassment. From now on, I will personally supervise the removal of beds from offices. The night shift is not meant for sleeping but for people to do their job and leave.”

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He further highlighted that the hospital has now implemented an anti-sexual harassment law and that ignorance will no longer be accepted as an excuse for inappropriate behavior.

“The laws are clear, which we have brought to the fore for the notice of the people, ‘thou shall not sexually harass’. So ignorance can no longer be a defense,” he said.

“If anybody does that, the next step is a deterrent with punishment. If anybody does that, we will punish him and will not sweep it under the carpet.”

Okeniyi also mentioned that there would be an online “wall of shame” to expose offenders publicly, allowing their actions to be visible to friends, family, and the public.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE