Outrage at FUOYE: Students’ group demands suspension of VC over sexual harassment allegations, abuse of office
The Association for Students Social Welfare (ASSW), a nationwide student advocacy group, has issued a scathing public statement demanding immediate action against the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, over allegations of sexual harassment, obstruction of justice, and abuse of office.
Speaking at a press briefing attended by civil society groups, student leaders, and representatives from academic unions, ASSW condemned what it described as a “pattern of lawlessness and impunity” within the university, following the controversial reinstatement of Prof. Fasina on October 14, 2025.
Background of the Controversy
The crisis at FUOYE erupted after Prof. Fasina was implicated in a high-profile sexual harassment case involving a female staff member. In response to growing public pressure and internal unrest, the Vice-Chancellor was earlier directed to embark on a so-called “research leave” — a move ASSW claims was designed to shield him from accountability.
Despite acknowledging the allegations in his leave request, Prof. Fasina reportedly took the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to court in an attempt to halt their investigation into the case. ASSW described this as “a clear obstruction of justice” and “an affront to the Nigerian public.”
Illegality in Reinstatement Process
ASSW strongly criticised the Vice-Chancellor’s reinstatement, which they allege was orchestrated through a “tainted Governing Council” led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), who allegedly convened an irregular meeting without full council participation.
“There is no legal or administrative provision that allows a Vice-Chancellor to go on ‘research leave’ only to be reinstated under such questionable circumstances,” the group stated, citing violations of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2003.
They also decried the use of “rented students” — some reportedly not from FUOYE — who were mobilised to create a false sense of support for the Vice-Chancellor and intimidate opposition voices on campus.
ASSW’s Demands
The Association laid out a six-point demand, calling for:
- Immediate suspension of Prof. Fasina pending the conclusion of investigations.
- Suspension of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba for alleged abuse of office.
- Constitution of a Presidential Investigation Panel to probe the matter.
- Restoration of peace and safety on FUOYE campus.
- Public clarification from the Ministry of Education distancing itself from the alleged approval.
- Full disclosure of all Governing Council records related to the reinstatement.
Call to President Tinubu
ASSW has also appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as the Visitor to FUOYE, to intervene and “dissolve the current Governing Council, suspend Prof. Fasina, and direct the Senate to appoint a lawful Acting Vice-Chancellor.”
“This is not just a university issue; it is a national test of leadership and integrity,” the group declared.
“This Must Not Stand”
The statement ends with a call to all Nigerians to see the crisis at FUOYE as a mirror of the broader institutional decay in public life. “When rules are bent and accountability is traded for privilege, the soul of the nation is in danger,” ASSW warned.
The group vowed to continue advocating for justice, transparency, and ethical governance across all Nigerian institutions of higher learning.
The Federal Ministry of Education and FUOYE management have yet to respond to these latest allegations and demands as of press time.
