OAU Teaching Hospital to Remove Office Beds to Combat Sexual Harassment

 In a decisive move to address sexual harassment at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Chief Medical Director Professor John Okeniyi has announced plans to remove beds from several offices within the institution. This measure aims to prevent incidents of sexual misconduct among the hospital's staff.

During a recent progress report on his first year in office, Professor Okeniyi emphasized that the presence of beds in offices could unintentionally provoke sexual behavior. To combat this issue, he has committed to personally overseeing the removal of these beds, asserting that office spaces should not be used for sleeping but strictly for work.

OAUTH has also introduced a new anti-sexual harassment policy. Professor Okeniyi stressed that ignorance of this law will no longer be tolerated. "The laws are clear: 'Thou shall not sexually harass.' Ignorance is no longer an excuse. We will enforce strict penalties for any violations, and offenders will face significant consequences, including public exposure."

In addition to the new policy, the hospital has empowered sevicom personnel to report cases of harassment, ensuring that complaints are heard and acted upon promptly. This initiative aims to create a safer working environment and to deter inappropriate behavior.

Regarding recent workforce changes, Professor Okeniyi addressed the dismissal of 2,054 employees, stating that many were hired illegally by individuals within the system. The hospital has since conducted a suitability test for new recruits. Out of 450 candidates approved by the Federal Ministry of Health, 390 have been officially employed.

This proactive approach by the OAUTH administration highlights a commitment to both staff welfare and operational integrity, setting a precedent for other institutions to follow in addressing workplace misconduct and ensuring fair employment practices.