SCANDAL AT FUOYE: VICE-CHANCELLOR STEPS ASIDE AMID EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS

By Princess Adeola Shittu

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has been thrown into the eye of the storm as its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, proceeded on a six-month leave following damning allegations of sexual harassment.

The embattled VC’s decision to step aside comes amid mounting pressure and national outrage after Engr. Folasade Adebayo, the university’s former Director of Works, accused him of sexual misconduct and sustained victimization.

Engr. Adebayo, in a petition that has gone viral, claimed that she was repeatedly harassed by the Vice-Chancellor, and when she refused his advances, she became a target of victimization. As evidence, she submitted an audio recording in which the VC allegedly made inappropriate and suggestive comments.

Initially, the University Governing Council cleared Prof. Fasina of any wrongdoing a move that sparked widespread condemnation from staff unions and rights groups. The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Western Zone, firmly rejected the council's decision, calling for a dissolution of the body and an independent probe into the allegations.

Reacting to the backlash, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reportedly questioned the integrity of the council’s handling of the case. This development prompted an emergency online meeting of the university council, during which Prof. Fasina's request to proceed on accumulated leave totaling 126 working days was granted.

To fill the vacuum, the council appointed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Olubunmi Shittu, as Acting Vice-Chancellor pending the outcome of further investigations.

The scandal has sent shockwaves across the academic community, with many calling for transparency, justice, and protection for whistleblowers within the system. Civil society groups and students are also demanding accountability and the safeguarding of ethical standards in higher institutions.

As the nation watches, all eyes are now on FUOYE and the federal authorities to ensure that justice is served—fairly, swiftly, and without compromise.