FUOYE students protest against alleged attempt to destabilise university
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has staged a mass protest, condemning what they describe as a deliberate effort by the SSANU National Women’s Committee to disrupt the university’s stability.
The students have warned the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) National Women’s Committee against making inflammatory statements that could threaten the peace and progress of FUOYE under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
The demonstration follows a recent press conference by the SSANU Women’s Committee in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, where the group called for the Vice-Chancellor’s suspension over an unsubstantiated sexual harassment allegation supposedly made by Mrs Folasade Adebayo, a senior staff member of the university.
The protesting students denounced the allegation as baseless and politically motivated, accusing the committee of attempting to disrupt FUOYE’s progress with false claims.
Speaking during the protest, key student leaders, including: Comrade Olaniyan Israel Eniola, Vice-President of the SUG, Hon. Justice Victor Ajisafe Olaseni, Chief Justice of the Student Union Judicial Council, Idowu Andrew Odunayo, Senator representing the Faculty of Law, standing in for the SUG Senate President, Adebisi Emmanuel, expressed their outrage at what they called a shameful and unwarranted attack on the Vice-Chancellor.
“We are appalled by the disgraceful actions of the SSANU National Women’s Committee, led by Mrs Ijeoma Kalu, demanding the suspension of our highly respected Vice-Chancellor over a completely baseless allegation.
“It is disappointing that individuals who should stand for truth and integrity have instead resorted to spreading falsehoods and engaging in media blackmail. It is shocking to see them publicly humiliate themselves by calling for the removal of our beloved Vice-Chancellor without any factual evidence.”
The student leaders further argued that Mrs Adebayo herself had never accused Professor Fasina of sexual harassment in any formal petition:
“The Vice-Chancellor has already clarified that in her official petition to the university’s Governing Council, Mrs Adebayo never mentioned sexual harassment. Even during investigations conducted by the Nigerian Police, she made no reference to such allegations.
“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.”
The Students’ Union Government reaffirmed its full support for Professor Fasina, describing his administration as the most impactful in FUOYE’s history.
“Under Professor Fasina’s leadership, FUOYE has experienced unprecedented growth. He has been a compassionate leader, enforcing a strict policy against sexual harassment, sex-for-marks, intimidation, and oppression.
“Furthermore, he has actively provided financial assistance and scholarships to students, ensuring that no one drops out due to financial hardship.”
The protesting students called on SSANU and its affiliates to refrain from interfering in the university’s affairs and allow the Governing Council to conduct its investigation without undue influence.
“Rather than recognising the tremendous progress FUOYE has achieved under this administration, some individuals are spreading baseless and damaging narratives.
“We strongly caution against the interference of external groups seeking to destabilise our institution. This matter must be addressed legally and fairly, without external manipulation designed to tarnish FUOYE’s reputation.”
The students urged the Governing Council to handle the issue with diligence and fairness, ensuring that justice prevails.
“FUOYE is a beacon of academic excellence in Nigeria, and its integrity must be safeguarded at all costs. We trust that the truth will prevail and that our great university’s dignity, integrity, and reputation will remain untarnished.”
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the Vice-Chancellor and vowed to resist any attempt to derail the institution’s progress.
