BY LAW IBITOYE
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has protested against the SSANU Women’s Committee calling for the suspension of the Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof Abayomi Fasina over unsubstantiated allegation of sexual harassment by Mrs Folasade Adebayo.
The students union leaders described the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) National Women’s Committee moves as a ploy to scuttle the peaceful academic calendar of the university, warned them to restrain from making inciting statements.
The protest was sequel to a recent press conference held by the SSANU Women’s Committee in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, where the group demanded the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor over an allegation of sexual harassment allegedly made by Mrs Folasade Adebayo, a senior staff member of the university.
The students, not comfortable with the attack on the Vice Chancellor, accused the committee of attempting to disrupt the university’s progress through baseless claims.
Speaking during the protest, some of the student leaders; Comrade Olaniyan lsrael Eniola (Vice-President),
Hon. Justice Victor Ajisafe Olaseni, (Chief Justice of the Student Union Judicial Council), ldowu Andrew Odunayo, (Senator representing Faculty of Law) ,who represented the student union Senate President , Adebisi Emmanuel, expressed their disappointment over the matter. They said ,”We are appalled by the disgraceful actions of a so-called union body, the SSANU National Women’s Committee, led by Mrs Ijeoma Kalu, who called for the suspension of our highly respected Vice-Chancellor over a completely unfounded allegation.
It is disappointing that these women, who should be expected to uphold truth and integrity, have chosen instead to spread falsehoods and engage in media blackmail. We were shocked to read how they publicly disgraced themselves, calling for the removal of our beloved VC without any factual basis.”
The student leader went on to highlight that Mrs Adebayo herself had never accused Professor Fasina of sexual harassment in any formal document:
“The Vice-Chancellor has already clarified that Mrs Adebayo, in her official petition to the Governing Council, never mentioned sexual harassment. Even in her statements before the Nigerian Police, which investigated the matter, there was no mention of sexual harassment. So where did the SSANU Women’s Committee fabricate this claim from? On what basis are they demanding his suspension? This is clearly a politically motivated smear campaign, which is doomed to fail.”
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) reiterated their full support for the Vice-Chancellor, describing his administration as the most impactful in the history of FUOYE.
“Under Professor Fasina’s leadership, FUOYE has witnessed unprecedented development. He has been a compassionate father figure to students, ensuring zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sex-for-marks, intimidation, and oppression. He has actively supported students through scholarships and financial aid, ensuring that no student drops out due to financial hardship.”
The students warned SSANU and its affiliates to desist from further interference, urging them to allow the university’s governing council to complete its investigation without external pressures.
“It is unfortunate that rather than focusing on the incredible progress FUOYE has made under this administration, some individuals are spreading baseless and damaging narratives. We strongly caution against the interference of uninvited groups seeking to disrupt the university’s stability.
This issue must be handled legally and fairly, without external manipulations aimed at tarnishing the university’s reputation.”
The students urged the Governing Council to act with diligence and fairness, ensuring that justice prevails.
“FUOYE stands as a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s educational landscape, and its integrity must be protected at all costs. We trust that the truth will prevail and that this great university’s dignity, integrity, and reputation will remain untarnished.”
The Students’ Union Government reaffirmed their solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor, stating that they will resist any attempt to derail the institution’s progress.