Students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State have faulted the recent call by the National Women Committee of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) for the sack of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
The students, during a solidarity protest yesterday at the university campus, warned the SSANU women wing not to allow itself to be used in the hands of ‘enemies of the university’, who do not mean well for the institution.
The SSANU Women had during a news conference held in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, called for the suspension of Prof Fasina over an allegation of sexual harassment levelled by a senior staff member of the university, Mrs Folasade Adebayo.
But, reacting yesterday, the Students’ Union Government Vice-President, Comrade Olaniyan Eniola, said there was no logic in the call for the suspension of the VC when investigation was ongoing on the issue.
Eniola alleged that the attack on the VC was orchestrated by some elements with vested interest to disrupt the university’s peaceful ambience and its unparalleled progress through campaign of calumny against Prof. Fasina.
He said: “We are appalled by the disgraceful actions of a so-called union body, 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.
“It is disappointing that these women, who should be expected to uphold truth and integrity, have chosen instead to spread falsehood and engage in media blackmail. We were shocked to read how they publicly disgraced themselves, calling for the removal of our beloved VC without any factual basis.
“The Vice Chancellor has already clarified that Mrs Adebayo, in her official petition to the Governing Council, never mentioned sexual harassment. Even in her statements before the Nigerian Police, which investigated the matter, there was no mention of sexual harassment.
So where did the SSANU Women’s Committee fabricate this claim from? On what basis are they demanding his suspension? This is clearly a politically-motivated smear campaign, which is doomed to fail.”
Eniola warned SSANU and its affiliates to desist from further interference, urging them to allow the university’s governing council to complete its investigation without external pressures.
He added: “It is unfortunate that rather than focusing on the incredible progress FUOYE has made under this administration, some individuals are spreading baseless and damaging narratives. We strongly caution against the interference of uninvited groups seeking to disrupt the university’s stability.
“This issue must be handled legally and fairly, without external manipulations aimed at tarnishing the university’s reputation.
“FUOYE stands as a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s educational landscape, and its integrity must be protected at all costs. We trust that the truth will prevail and that this great university’s dignity, integrity and reputation will remain untarnished.”
He reaffirmed the students’ solidarity with the Vice Chancellor, stating that they would resist any attempt to derail the institution’s progress.
In a similar development, the Campaign for Justice and Fair Play has raised the alarm over alleged plot by the National Women Committee of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities to destabilise the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
The group’s Chairman, Chief Calistus Jemade, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday said the alleged plot was driven by vested interests threatened by the unparalleled achievements of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fasina.
Jemade alleged that the SSANU Women Committee had been orchestrating a campaign to unseat Professor Fasina over an unsubstantiated allegation of sexual harassment made by a university staff member, Folashade Adebayo.
He described the plot as a “calculated political attack” purposefully designed to discredit the VC and undermine his leadership, saying “the sponsors of this campaign are not seeking justice but are actively working to destabilise the university”.
He called on the institution’s Chairman of the Governing Council to take decisive action and expedite ongoing probe into the allegation, warning that allowing the plot to succeed could jeopardise the stability and future of FUOYE.
This is a calculated political attack designed to discredit a leader who has worked tirelessly to improve FUOYE. These individuals, motivated by self-interest, are determined to take control of the university’s leadership at any cost.
“We urge the FUOYE’s Senate, alumni, staff and students to be vigilant and resist any attempt to sow discord and destabilise the institution.
“Professor Fasina is a proven reformer, a strong advocate for workers welfare, and a high-achieving administrator. Any attempt to undermine his leadership should be strongly opposed by all who value the progress of this institution”, he added.
