The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has strongly condemned the SSANU National Women’s Committee, accusing them of attempting to destabilize the institution. The students staged a mass protest, warning the committee against making inflammatory statements that could threaten the university’s peace and stability under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
The protest was triggered by a recent press conference held by the SSANU Women’s Committee in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, where they demanded the suspension of Professor Fasina over an unsubstantiated allegation of sexual harassment allegedly made by Mrs. Folasade Adebayo, a senior staff member. Outraged students labeled the demand as politically motivated and baseless, accusing the committee of attempting to derail the university’s progress.
Speaking during the protest, student leaders, including Comrade Olaniyan Israel Eniola (Vice-President), Hon. Justice Victor Ajisafe Olaseni (Chief Justice of the Student Union Judicial Council), and Idowu Andrew Odunayo (Senator representing the Faculty of Law on behalf of the Student Union Senate President, Adebisi Emmanuel), expressed their dissatisfaction.
“We are appalled by the disgraceful actions of the SSANU National Women’s Committee, led by Mrs. Ijeoma Kalu, which is demanding the suspension of our highly respected Vice-Chancellor over a completely unfounded allegation,” the student leaders declared. “It is disappointing that these women, who should stand for truth and integrity, are instead spreading falsehoods and engaging in media blackmail. Calling for our VC’s removal without any factual basis is unacceptable.”
The students further emphasized that Mrs. Adebayo had never formally accused Professor Fasina of sexual harassment in any official document.
“The Vice-Chancellor has clarified that Mrs. Adebayo, in her official petition to the Governing Council, never mentioned sexual harassment. Even in her statements to the Nigerian Police, who investigated the matter, there was no such claim. So where did the SSANU Women’s Committee fabricate this allegation from? Their demand for his suspension is clearly a politically motivated smear campaign, which is bound to fail,” they asserted.
The Students’ Union reaffirmed their unwavering support for Professor Fasina, describing his administration as the most impactful in FUOYE’s history.
“Under Professor Fasina’s leadership, FUOYE has witnessed unprecedented development. He has been a compassionate leader, ensuring zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sex-for-marks, intimidation, and oppression. He has also provided scholarships and financial aid to support students facing hardship,” they added.
The students further warned SSANU and its affiliates against unwarranted interference in the university’s affairs and called for the Governing Council to complete its investigation without external pressure.
“Rather than acknowledging FUOYE’s remarkable progress, some individuals are spreading baseless and damaging narratives. We strongly caution against any interference by groups attempting to disrupt the university’s stability. This matter should be handled legally and fairly without external manipulations aimed at tarnishing FUOYE’s reputation,” they stated.
The students urged the Governing Council to ensure a fair and just resolution while protecting the university’s integrity.
“FUOYE is a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s educational landscape, and its integrity must be preserved. We trust that the truth will prevail and that the university’s dignity and reputation will remain untarnished,” they concluded.
The Students’ Union reaffirmed their solidarity with Professor Fasina, vowing to resist any attempt to derail the university’s progress.
