The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in collaboration with the National Association of University Students (NAUS), staged a major protest in Abuja on Thursday, demanding urgent action from the Federal Ministry of Education over the worsening crisis at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
The protest brought activities at the Ministry to a halt for hours, as students carried placards with bold messages like “Fasina Must Go”, calling for the removal of FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
Speaking to journalists, NANS National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Samson Adeyemi, said the protest would continue weekly until the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, directly addresses the issues. He described a toxic culture at FUOYE, with rampant cases of sexual harassment, suppression of whistleblowers, and administrative misconduct.
He highlighted a disturbing case involving Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia from the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, who allegedly harassed a female student and failed her when she refused to comply. The student’s exam script was later re-evaluated by an external panel, and she passed. Instead of facing disciplinary action, the lecturer was promoted.
“At the heart of this protest lies the disturbing and well-documented case of Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia… This is not just an abuse of power; it is a betrayal of trust and a violation of the moral sanctity of education.”
Adeyemi alleged that the Vice-Chancellor not only protected sexual offenders but also oversaw wrongful dismissals of staff members who spoke up, including Dr. Ngozi Ole and SSANU leaders. He also mentioned financial mismanagement, intimidation of student activists, and the tragic death of a student, Modupe, which he attributed to the institution’s failure to respond to security concerns.
NANS laid out five non-negotiable demands:
- Immediate dismissal of Prof. Abayomi Fasina
- Suspension and full investigation of Dr. Agbegbedia
- An independent panel to review harassment and victimisation cases
- Legal protection for whistleblowers and victims
- A transparent audit of FUOYE’s finances under Fasina’s leadership
“The Federal Ministry of Education must understand that the protest has already begun. We are no longer pleading. We are demanding justice.”
Adeyemi concluded by urging civil society groups, human rights organisations, the media, and Nigerians at large to support their fight for justice and accountability.
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