The Chief Medical Director of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Professor John Okeniyi, has announced plans to remove beds placed in several hospital offices to prevent sexual harassment of female staff. Speaking during a press briefing on his administration’s one-year progress, Prof. Okeniyi stated that the presence of beds in offices could provoke inappropriate behavior, prompting the decision to eliminate them.
The institution has also implemented an anti-sexual harassment policy, making it clear that ignorance will not be tolerated as an excuse. Prof. Okeniyi emphasized that those found guilty of harassment would face serious consequences, with public exposure of offenders.
“The laws are clear: ‘Thou shall not sexually harass,’ and ignorance is no longer a defense. We will not sweep such issues under the carpet, and punishments will follow,” he said. He added that offenders would be named and shamed online for all to see.
Prof. Okeniyi further noted that night shifts are meant for work, not rest, and reiterated his commitment to personally overseeing the removal of beds from offices used for such shifts.
