FUOYE Governing Council Clears Vice Chancellor of Sexual Harassment Allegations
The Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has officially exonerated the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, from allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by the Deputy Director of Works and Services, Engr. Folashade Adebayo.
This clearance follows a thorough internal investigation by a panel constituted by the Council, complementing an earlier inquiry by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), which also found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Background: A Year of Speculation and Tension
The allegations surfaced in early 2023, casting a long shadow over FUOYE’s administrative operations. Engr. Adebayo, who was then serving as Acting Director of Works, alleged that the Vice Chancellor sexually harassed her, a claim that drew internal division and media attention.
However, during the police investigation, she reportedly clarified in a formal statement that no such harassment had occurred. The NPF concluded its probe with no charges filed.
Despite the police findings, the Governing Council proceeded with an internal investigation to maintain transparency and institutional integrity.
Council’s Final Verdict
At its 8th Extraordinary Meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Council unanimously ruled that there was no case of sexual harassment.
In a press statement signed by FUOYE Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, the Council noted that
“The investigation confirmed the earlier findings of the Nigeria Police. All documents; audio recordings, transcripts, police reports, correspondences, and meeting minutes, were reviewed. The recordings, made without the VC’s consent, were deemed tools of blackmail to pressure the VC into confirming Engr. Adebayo as substantive Director of Works, a role beyond his approval authority.”
The Council further stated that Engr. Adebayo’s tenure had simply expired, contrary to her claim of unjust removal. She has now been issued a formal warning and is required to submit a letter of apology to the Council within seven (7) days.
Union Leadership Sanctions Lifted, With Conditions
The Council also addressed internal union issues involving the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUOYE branch. It reviewed both the main and minority reports concerning the conduct of SSANU Chairman Mr. Benjamin Faleye and Secretary Mrs. Ayomikun Aluko.
Though both were found guilty of misconduct, the Council lifted their suspensions in a show of leniency. However, their forfeited half salaries during the suspension will not be refunded. Both officials are also required to:
- Submit formal letters of apology, and
- Sign undertakings to abide by the university rules and regulations.
What This Means for FUOYE
This decision brings closure to one of the university’s most high-profile controversies in recent years. For many, the Council’s actions reaffirm the importance of due process and institutional credibility, while also raising broader questions around workplace accountability and conflict resolution in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
With the matter now resolved, the university community looks to move forward, hopefully with lessons learnt and stronger governance practices in place.
See complete details as released by the FUOYE Governing Council.
