The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is facing serious unrest as the National Association of University Students (NAUS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government. The student body is demanding the immediate removal of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, over allegations of sexual harassment and financial mismanagement.
NAUS, in a letter signed by its National President, Comrade Peter Oche, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, warned that students would shut down FUOYE if their demands are not met. The letter was made available to the press in Abuja.
According to NAUS, the allegations raised by Engr. Folashade Adebayo and other senior staff members have not been properly addressed, and the situation continues to deteriorate. The association also threw its weight behind a petition earlier submitted by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which called for the VC’s immediate removal.
The President of NANS, Comrade Olusola Oladoja, had earlier criticized the university’s Governing Council for hastily suspending the Chairman and Secretary of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) without following due process. He described the actions as a way to silence those pushing for accountability.
In his letter, NAUS President Oche outlined a list of demands:
“We demand the immediate removal of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, within 72 hours of this correspondence and the suspension of Senator Victor Udo Udoma, SAN, Chairman of the FUOYE Governing Council, pending investigation.
“The constitution of an independent investigative panel, comprising students, legal practitioners, and external stakeholders, to revisit and thoroughly probe all cases of sexual harassment, especially that of Dr. Agbegbedia.
“A special audit of all financial activities of the university under Prof. Fasina.
“Protection for whistleblowers, including SSANU executives and Dr. Ngozi Ole, who have been targeted for standing up against injustice.
“A public acknowledgment of the institutional failures and a commitment to restoring justice, peace, and academic integrity at FUOYE.”
Oche further stated that failure to respond to these demands would lead to a mass mobilization of students for peaceful protests and shutdowns.
“Failure to act within 72 hours of this letter will leave us with no choice but to mobilise thousands of Nigerian university students for the following actions:
“A peaceful shutdown of FUOYE campuses beginning Wednesday, 7th May 2025; mass demonstrations at the Ministry of Education, National Assembly, and the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
“An international media campaign to expose this festering crisis and protect the global reputation of Nigerian education.”
He concluded by reaffirming the association’s belief in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for education, while warning that issues like this could derail the progress made so far.
“We align ourselves with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, upon assuming office in 2023, promised Nigerian students peace, progress, and quality education.
“We have begun to see some of that vision take root, but if care is not taken, the rot festering in places like FUOYE will derail the entire progress we have made as a nation.”
The Students Forum Nigeria serves as the ultimate hub for Nigerian students, fostering academic growth, social engagement, and knowledge sharing.
