FUOYE governing council exonerates VC over allegations of sexual harassment

The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has cleared the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, of allegations of sexual harassment made by a member of staff of the institution.

In recent months, the university has been embroiled in a series of controversies regarding the reported allegations of sexual harassment against the Vice-Chancellor by Engr. Folasade Adebayo, who was the Director of Physical Planning and the Director of Works and Services.

Additionally, the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUOYE branch, had been at loggerheads with the university management over issues relating to the suspension of its leadership.

The governing council, led by its Chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, set up an investigative panel in January with the aim of resolving the imbroglio in the interest of all parties and the institution.

The Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mufutau Ibrahim, in a statement on Wednesday, disclosed that the council, during its extraordinary meeting on 8 April 2025, considered the reports of the investigative committees constituted to address the issues.

While exonerating the Vice-Chancellor from the allegations, the statement noted that the report indicated Adebayo had never made an official complaint of sexual harassment against Professor Fasina, confirming the findings of an earlier investigation by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The council also condemned the audio recordings of the Vice-Chancellor made by Mrs Adebayo without his consent, deeming the act a violation of established laws and regulations of the university.

Mrs Adebayo was directed to issue a written apology to the council within seven days and was warned against bringing the university’s name into disrepute.

The statement reads: “There was no case of sexual harassment, thus confirming the earlier investigation by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), during which Engr. Adebayo made a statement that she was not sexually harassed.

“All documents relied on in the investigation by the committee were attached to the report (NPF report, audio tapes, their transcripts, correspondences between the Vice-Chancellor and Engr. Adebayo, minutes of management meetings, etc.).

“Council condemned the recording of the Vice-Chancellor without his knowledge and consent. All members of the council agreed that the recordings were tools for blackmail to confirm Engr. Adebayo as substantive Director of Works, a position the Vice-Chancellor has no authority to confer. Contrary to Engr. Adebayo’s allegation that she was removed as Acting Director of Works and Services, her tenure had rather expired.

“Council noted that Engr. Folasade Adebayo never made any complaint of sexual harassment against the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi S. Fasina, in any manner whatsoever.

“Council directed that Engr. Adebayo be warned for bringing the name of the university into disrepute. She is also directed to write a letter of apology to the council within seven (7) days.”

The council further criticised the management for granting preferential treatment to Engr. Adebayo by backdating her promotion to 2015 in 2024. Consequently, the council directed that the management be formally warned and desist from such actions.

The statement continued: “Council directed that the unwarranted backdated promotion be reviewed appropriately.

“Council directed that the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi S. Fasina, be advised in writing to exercise more caution and circumspection when dealing with subordinates.

“Council is to develop policies on cyber-bullying, the use of social media, community relations, and public relations. The council also condemned the act of recording people without their knowledge and consent, as this is inconsistent with the freedoms of an academic community.

“Council is to advertise the substantive positions of Director of Physical Planning and Director of Works and Services. A Peace and Reconciliation Committee will also be established to address ongoing issues within the university.

“Council will organise on-boarding and re-orientation programmes for new and existing staff of the university, respectively.”

Regarding the two suspended officials of SSANU at the institution, Mr Benjamin Faleye and Mrs Ayomikun Aluko, the council found them culpable of gross misconduct. However, it graciously lifted their suspensions, though their half salaries during the suspension period were forfeited. They were also directed to submit letters of apology and an undertaking to abide by the university’s laws within seven (7) days.

On the review of internal processes for promotion to the professorial cadre, with a case study on Dr Ngozi C. Ole, “Council reviewed its internal processes for promotion, identified weaknesses, and resolved to take steps to strengthen FUOYE’s internal promotion exercise procedures.”

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