Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has voiced his strong disapproval of university faculty who coerce students into buying handouts, seeking favouritism in courses, or paying exorbitant fees for extra academic services.
He also condemned cases of sexual harassment involving students, noting that these issues prompted him to terminate six professors at Lokoja University during his previous role there, stating that he will maintain similar standards at FUOYE.
In a discussion with journalists in Calabar, he warned that such problems profoundly damage academic quality and the integrity of Nigeria’s education system. The former Senate Majority Leader declared, “I will not tolerate any compromises that threaten the integrity of our degrees. Our university credentials must be globally respected.
“When I began at Federal University Lokoja, my first decision was to dismiss six professors within two months due to sexual harassment claims. Although those incidents occurred before my tenure, I insisted on thorough investigations, recognizing inconsistencies between the evidence and the conclusions in the reports I received. As a lawyer, I understand how to evaluate evidence and demanded that findings align accurately with conclusions.
“I will not accept any compromise, as it undermines the value of our students’ qualifications.”
Concerned about the decline in educational standards in Nigeria, Ndoma-Egba criticised the existence of “miracle centres” where students can achieve high grades without the requisite skills. He expressed alarm at how commonplace this issue has become, suggesting that the academic system is increasingly deteriorating.
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At FUOYE, he emphasised that the university has earned recognition from JAMB as the most preferred choice for students due to its rigorous academic governance and adherence to timelines. “The primary appeal of FUOYE lies in its resilience against disruptions and adverse influences. Despite challenges such as COVID-19 and an extended ASUU strike, our students were able to graduate on schedule, and we have maintained dependable timing.”
Regarding the ongoing sexual harassment allegations against the Vice-Chancellor at FUOYE, Ndoma-Egba stated, “I find sexual harassment entirely unacceptable. If anyone is proven guilty, I will take immediate action. The University Governing Council has set up a committee to investigate the VC, and while we received their report shortly after our convocation, recent events have delayed our review.
“The committee has requested more time to complete the investigation, which we have granted. I hope to convene an emergency meeting soon to discuss the findings and address this matter. It’s essential to resolve this allegation as it is overshadowing the university’s other achievements.”
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