…Accuse detractors of smear campaign, applaud VC’s transformative
leadership
A coalition of staff unions at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has dismissed allegations levelled against the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, as baseless and malicious. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, 26th November, 2024 in Ado-Ekiti, members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Congress of Nigerian Academics (CONUA), Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) described the claims as a smear campaign orchestrated by disgruntled individuals.
The allegations, signed by SSANU branch chairman Benjamin Faleye and secretary Ayomikun Aluko, were detailed in a communiqué dated 25th November 2024. Among the accusations were claims of reversing appointments by reassigning teaching staff to non-teaching roles, sexual harassment and victimisation of a union member, staff intimidation, abuse of office, administrative recklessness, and a lack of financial accountability. The communiqué also called for a probe into the university’s finances under Professor Fasina’s tenure. However, the coalition of unions described these accusations as speculative, lacking credible evidence, and driven by political motives.
In their response via a statement signed by the union leaders, comprising Comrade Ayeni Abraham. NASU Chairman, FUOYE Branch., Comrade Dr. Ademola Akinsorotan , CONUA Coordinator , FUOYE and others,, alleged that the accusations were part of a coordinated effort by detractors seeking to discredit Professor Fasina ahead of the 2025 Vice-Chancellorship race. They claimed these tactics mirrored similar attempts in 2021, which ultimately failed when Professor Fasina emerged as the fourth substantive Vice- Chancellor of FUOYE. The caucus expressed confidence that the current campaign would also fail, citing overwhelming support for the Vice-Chancellor from the university community.
The unions highlighted Professor Fasina’s significant achievements during his tenure, which they argued have intimidated his detractors. These include the promotion of over 500 non-teaching staff and 100 teaching staff—figures that surpass the records of his predecessors. His administration has also prioritised staff welfare through the payment of hazard allowances, provision of subsidised transportation via two Tata buses, and the implementation of remunerated online teaching programmes. Additionally, FUOYE has experienced remarkable institutional growth, ranking as the fourth most subscribed university in Nigeria according to JAMB, and securing research grants worth millions
of dollars. Over 90 infrastructural projects have also been completed under his leadership, enhancing the university’s facilities.
Addressing the call for a financial probe, the unions emphasised that Professor Fasina’s tenure has been marked by transparency and accountability. They noted that the Governing Council, led by Dr M. Lawal Yahuza, commissioned a forensic audit of the university’s accounts by external auditors, with the resulting report confirming the integrity of the administration’s financial management.
Professor Fasina’s leadership style has also earned him accolades, including an Award of Excellence from the Ekiti State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). The unions commended his efforts to ensure transparency and fairness within the institution, referencing the recently concluded University Congregation poll on 13th November 2024, which was widely lauded for its openness.
The unions called on stakeholders and members of the public to disregard the allegations, which they described as politically motivated and unsubstantiated. They urged the university community to continue supporting Professor Fasina’s administration, which they credited with transformative achievements that have significantly advanced FUOYE’s standing.
