The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has threatened to shut the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) over allegation of sexual harassment and extortion against the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
Fasina was said to have been making inappropriate and emotional advances towards Engr. Folasade Adebayo, a married deputy director in the university’s Directorate of Works and Services.
But the law firm of Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and Co, lawyers to Fasina, described the allegation against the VC as baseless, emphasising on need to address the unsubstantiated accusations and provide accurate information, refuting the false narratives.
A statement by NANS Senate President, Com. Akinteye Babatunde threatened if the Governing Council of the institution fails to suspend the VC before the upcoming convocation of the university, NANS will take decisive and lawful action by mobilising students nationwide to shut down FUOYE on convocation day to demand accountability.
According to him, the alleged conduct was reprehensible and violates ethical standards expected of someone occupying such a high position of trust and authority in an academic institution.
He said: “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.
“We therefore strongly urge the Governing Council of FUOYE to do the needful, not only to salvage the institution’s reputation but also to restore confidence in the integrity of academic leadership in Nigeria. The time to act is now.
“We are appalled by the recent revelations implicating the VC, as the moral compass of any institution, a Vice-Chancellor must embody the values of integrity, discipline, and respect. However, the actions alleged against Professor Fasina severely undermine the sanctity of the office he holds and bring disrepute to FUOYE as a center of learning.
“It is deeply troubling that the leader of an institution tasked with nurturing and protecting its students and staff could be at the center of such a scandal. This incident, if left unaddressed, sets a dangerous precedent and threatens to erode the trust that students, staff, and stakeholders have in the university’s leadership.
“We call on the Governing Council of FUOYE to act decisively and immediately suspend Professor Fasina to allow for a transparent, unbiased, and thorough investigation into the allegations. This suspension is critical to ensure that the investigation is not hindered by undue influence or interference.
“We further urge the council to ensure that all investigative processes prioritize justice and fairness, with adequate protection for the victim and whistleblowers involved in this case.
“Beyond the issue of sexual harassment, the administration of Professor Fasina has been plagued by numerous controversies that raise serious questions about his leadership. Among these is the extortion of students through the university’s part-time program.
“It is disheartening to note that students who have met the requirements for admission into regular programs are being systematically denied admission and coerced into part-time programs solely for financial exploitation. This blatant abuse of power and commercialization of education is a direct assault on the rights of students to affordable and accessible education.
“Professor Fasina’s tenure has been riddled with multiple allegations of financial misconduct and administrative malpractice. Such consistent controversies reflect a leadership that prioritizes personal and financial gain over the welfare of students, staff, and the institution at large.”
The Governing Council of the University in a statement on Friday by the Registrar and Secretary of the Council, Mufutau Ibrahim has approved setting up of a nine-member committee to investigate allegation.
(The Nation)
