The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has set up a nine-member committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. This decision follows reports from media outlets, including Sahara Reporters, detailing accusations made by Mrs. Folasade Adebayo, a Deputy Director of Works at the university.
In a statement issued by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mufutau A. Ibrahim, the committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and submitting its findings within three weeks. Ibrahim stated that the committee is expected to get to the root of the matter and present its findings to the Council within the stipulated time.
The Council’s emergency meeting on Friday, January 24, 2025, addressed audio recordings circulating on social media, which allegedly implicate the Vice-Chancellor in inappropriate conduct. The meeting noted that the institution has been facing negative publicity, overshadowing its significant achievements.
Ibrahim explained that the Council decided to investigate the source and intent of the viral audio recordings, review how the recordings gained traction on social media, examine Mrs. Adebayo’s specific allegations, including claims of immoral advances, assess previous investigations conducted by the police and the former Council chairman, and explore any related matters. The statement emphasized the Council’s commitment to justice, ensuring there will be no “sacred cows” in the investigation.
Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, confirmed the committee’s establishment. He denied allegations of bias, clarifying that all decisions would be collective. He stated that the Council is setting up a committee to hear from both Mrs. Adebayo and the Vice-Chancellor. Previous efforts, including police investigations, will also be reviewed. Addressing concerns about suspensions or favoritism, Ndoma-Egba added that every decision must be taken by the Council, not unilaterally by the Pro-Chancellor. Claims about his statements at the Oba’s palace are untrue.
He highlighted FUOYE’s accomplishments, including being the 4th most subscribed university in Nigeria and ranking 15th among universities established in the past 14 years. He urged that while addressing these allegations, the remarkable achievements of the university should also be spotlighted.
The Council expects the committee’s report by mid-February 2025 and has called for calm within the university community and the public. Ibrahim concluded by encouraging everyone to remain focused as the Council is determined to ensure justice.
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