The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a warning to the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), threatening to shut down the institution over serious allegations of sexual harassment and extortion involving its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
According to reports, Prof. Fasina allegedly made inappropriate emotional advances towards Engr. Folasade Adebayo, a married deputy director in the university’s Directorate of Works and Services. In response, the law firm representing Fasina, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and Co., dismissed the claims, asserting that the accusations were unfounded and needed to be addressed properly to correct false narratives.
The Senate President of NANS, Com. Akinteye Babatunde, emphasized that if the university’s Governing Council does not suspend the Vice Chancellor before the upcoming convocation, students from across the country will mobilize to shut down FUOYE. He condemned the alleged behavior, stating it goes against the ethical standards expected from someone in such a high position at an academic institution.
“This is not a threat but a solemn commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian students and ensuring that our institutions are governed with transparency, accountability, and fairness. FUOYE deserves better. Nigerian students deserve better,” Babatunde said.
He further urged the university’s Governing Council to act swiftly, noting that the scandal surrounding the Vice Chancellor, if unaddressed, would undermine trust in the university and set a dangerous precedent. “The moral compass of any institution should be its leader, and Prof. Fasina’s alleged actions tarnish the reputation of FUOYE as a center for learning,” he added.
Babtunde also highlighted ongoing issues during Prof. Fasina’s administration, including alleged extortion in the university’s part-time program. He claims that students who qualify for full-time admission have been coerced into part-time programs for financial exploitation.
Meanwhile, the university’s Governing Council has set up a nine-member committee to investigate the allegations. The committee is expected to uncover the truth and report its findings within a set timeframe.
In contrast, the Civil Society Coalition on the Leadership of FUOYE, led by Com. Shuaib Abdulkadir, has defended Prof. Fasina, calling the allegations baseless and politically motivated. The coalition claimed the accusations were part of an effort to damage the Vice Chancellor’s reputation. They emphasized that police investigations into the sexual harassment claims had already cleared Fasina.
A statement from the Adegboruwa law firm asserted that the claims of sexual harassment, victimization, financial mismanagement, and abuse of office against Fasina were thoroughly investigated by the Nigerian Police. It was concluded that there was no evidence to support the allegations, and the claims were dismissed as politically motivated attacks. The law firm criticized the media for publishing these allegations without contacting the Vice Chancellor for clarification.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the coalition expressed support for Prof. Fasina, praising his leadership and the growth of FUOYE under his administration.
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