FUOYE Students Protest Alleged Plan to Destabilize Varsity
Students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have staged a protest against what they described as an orchestrated attempt by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) National Women’s Committee to destabilize the institution.
The protest, led by members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), saw students marching around the Oye-Ekiti campus to express their dissatisfaction with the committee’s actions. The students voiced concerns over what they termed inflammatory statements made by SSANU, which they feared could disrupt the peace on campus and the academic calendar of the university.
The protest followed a press conference held by the SSANU Women’s Committee in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, where the group called for the suspension of FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. This call was made following allegations of sexual harassment leveled against the Vice-Chancellor by Mrs. Folasade Adebayo, a senior staff member at the university.
The students, angered by what they saw as a politically-motivated attack, denied the validity of the sexual harassment claims. They emphasized that such allegations could cause unnecessary disruptions within the university system.
Vice-President of the FUOYE Students’ Union, Comrade Olaniyan Eniola, strongly criticized the SSANU Women’s Committee’s actions, saying, “We are appalled by the disgraceful actions of 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.”
He further added, “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.”
The students pointed out that the Vice-Chancellor had already clarified that Mrs. Adebayo’s official petition to the university’s Governing Council did not mention sexual harassment. Additionally, the Nigerian Police, which investigated the matter, found no evidence to support the allegations. The students questioned the basis for SSANU’s demand, labeling it as a politically motivated smear campaign.
The students expressed their full support for Professor Fasina, commending his leadership and the unprecedented development witnessed at FUOYE under his administration. They highlighted his commitment to upholding strict standards against sexual harassment and other forms of intimidation.
The protesters urged SSANU and its affiliates to allow the university’s Governing Council to conduct a fair investigation without external interference. They emphasized that the matter should be handled legally and fairly, with due process followed to protect the reputation of the university.
“We trust that the truth will prevail and that this great university’s dignity, integrity, and reputation will remain untarnished,” said Eniola.
The students concluded their protest by reiterating their faith in the university’s governing bodies to ensure justice is served and the institution’s integrity remains intact.
