A women’s advocacy group, Women for Good Governance and Transparency (WGT), has strongly criticized the National Women’s Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) over what it describes as an attempt to disrupt the stability of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). The group condemned the committee’s activism over an unfounded allegation of sexual harassment against the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, made by a senior staff member, Mrs. Folasade Adebayo.
WGT decried what it called a deliberate and malicious attempt by the SSANU National Women’s Committee to disrupt the peace and academic progress currently enjoyed at FUOYE. The group cautioned SSANU against making inflammatory remarks that could jeopardize the institution’s smooth academic operations and tarnish the reputation of an administration widely regarded for its progressive leadership.
A faction identifying itself as the SSANU National Women’s Committee recently addressed the media in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, calling for the suspension of Prof. Fasina over the allegations. WGT has dismissed this demand as baseless, describing it as an irresponsible act aimed at creating unnecessary tension within the university community.
Speaking on behalf of WGT, its leader, Mrs. Chinyere Chukwuma, strongly condemned the committee’s actions, labeling them as an orchestrated smear campaign. “We are appalled by the reckless behavior of a so-called union body, the SSANU National Women’s Committee, led by Mrs. Ijeoma Kalu, which has unjustifiably called for the suspension of a highly respected academic and administrator. Their demand is not only unfounded but a shameful attempt to derail the great strides FUOYE has made under Prof. Fasina’s leadership.”
Mrs. Chukwuma further highlighted that the allegations against Prof. Fasina lack substance. According to her, the Vice-Chancellor himself had clarified that Mrs. Adebayo did not accuse him of sexual harassment in her petition to the university’s Governing Council. The council, in turn, initiated a formal investigative panel to examine the claims thoroughly. Additionally, investigations by the Nigerian police reportedly found no evidence of sexual harassment in any of Mrs. Adebayo’s written statements. “We find it puzzling that the SSANU National Women’s Committee would fabricate such claims when the alleged victim herself has made no such accusation,” she stated.
WGT asserted that calls for the Vice-Chancellor’s suspension were politically motivated and lacked any legitimate basis. “It is evident that this is nothing more than a politically driven campaign aimed at discrediting a Vice-Chancellor whose tenure has been marked by remarkable progress. The university community must remain vigilant against such distractions and continue to support an administration committed to academic excellence and student welfare.”
The group praised Prof. Fasina as a visionary leader whose contributions to FUOYE have been unparalleled. “Under his leadership, the university has witnessed tremendous growth. He has taken a strong stance against all forms of misconduct, including sexual harassment, intimidation, and exploitation. His policies have created an enabling environment for students to thrive academically and personally.”
WGT also highlighted the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to student welfare, noting that he has consistently provided scholarships and financial aid to indigent students to ensure their academic progress. “Instead of focusing on the significant development FUOYE has achieved, detractors are spreading misleading narratives. We urge external bodies to refrain from interfering in university matters and allow the investigative committee to complete its work without undue influence.”
The group concluded by urging the investigative panel to conduct its work with diligence, fairness, and transparency, ensuring that justice prevails. “FUOYE’s reputation must remain intact as a beacon of academic excellence. We trust that the truth will emerge, and the dignity and integrity of our esteemed institution will be upheld.”
