The students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have protested what they described as deliberate attempt by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) National Women’s Committee to destabilise the institution.
Led by the members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), the students moved round the premises of the Oye Ekiti campus of the university to register their displeasure with the body
The students warned the SSANU National Women’s Committee against making inflammatory statements that could truncate the peace being enjoyed and disrupt academic calendar of the university.
The protest followed a recent press conference held by the SSANU Women’s Committee in Otuoke, Bayelsa State where the group demanded the suspension of FUOYE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
The call followed allegation of sexual harassment made by one Mrs Folasade Adebayo, a senior staff member of the university against the Vice-Chancellor.
Angered by what they called a shameful and politically-motivated attack by the committee, the students said such claim could cause serious problems within the system.
Vice-President of FUOYE Students’ Union, Comrade Olaniyan Eniola said, “We are appalled by the disgraceful actions of a so-called union body, 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.
“It is disappointing that these women, who should be expected to uphold truth and integrity, have chosen instead to spread falsehoods and engage in media blackmail. We were shocked to read how they publicly disgraced themselves, calling for the removal of our beloved VC without any factual basis.”
“The Vice-Chancellor has already clarified that Mrs Adebayo, in her official petition to the Governing Council, never mentioned sexual harassment. Even in her statements before the Nigerian Police, which investigated the matter, there was no mention of sexual harassment. So where did the SSANU Women’s Committee fabricate this claim from? On what basis are they demanding his suspension? This is clearly a politically motivated smear campaign, which is doomed to fail.”
They reiterated their full support for the Vice-Chancellor, describing his administration as the most impactful in the history of FUOYE.
“Under Professor Fasina’s leadership, FUOYE has witnessed unprecedented development. He has been a compassionate father figure to students, ensuring zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sex-for-marks, intimidation, and oppression. He has actively supported students through scholarships and financial aid, ensuring that no student drops out due to financial hardship,” Eniola added.
The students told SSANU and its affiliates to allow the university’s governing council to complete its investigation without external pressures.
“The issue must be handled legally and fairly, without external manipulations aimed at tarnishing the university’s reputation,” the students’ leader said.
The students urged the Governing Council to act with diligence and fairness and ensure that justice prevails, saying, “We trust that the truth will prevail and that this great university’s dignity, integrity, and reputation will remain untarnished.”
