Protesters Storm Ministry, Demand Suspension Of FUOYE VC Over Alleged Sexual Harassment
Protesters gathered at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja on Thursday, demanding the suspension of Professor Abayomi Fasina, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). The demonstrators, who carried placards with inscriptions such as “Ekiti deserves better” and “Protect our women,” argued that the VC should not remain in office while being investigated for alleged sexual harassment.
Speaking to journalists after submitting a petition to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, Victor Adetola, the leader of the protesters and representative of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption, called for the VC’s suspension to allow for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the allegations.
“We have been following the developments at FUOYE and, as an organisation advocating for the welfare of Nigerian students and the educational community, we believe this issue will fester unless a proper investigation is conducted. The university must be sanitized,” Adetola said.
He further emphasized that the disciplinary investigation into the matter had been delayed, with the university’s governing council requesting multiple extensions. “For the past six months, nothing has been done,” Adetola added. “We see corruption festering, and the critical issue here is the sexual harassment allegations, which need urgent attention.”
The allegations against the VC, which surfaced through a leaked voice note, involve claims of sexual harassment by one of his married subordinates, an assistant director at FUOYE. Adetola insisted that the VC must step down or be relieved of his duties to ensure an independent investigation is carried out.
The university has been embroiled in controversy for several months, and the protesters are calling for immediate action to address the allegations and prevent further damage to the institution’s reputation.
