From News Editor
The students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Wednesday staged a protest against what they described as a deliberate attempt by some external forces to destabilize their University.
The students accused the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) National Women’s Committee of being allegedly sponsored to disrupt the peace and smooth academic calendar of the institution through unending agitation for a change of leadership of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina.
Some of the inscriptions on the placard read: “Stop spreading lies against our VC, stop cyber bullying of Prof. Fasina, Our VC is a ln honourable man, Prof. Fasina is a wonderful leader, SSANU national women Committee leave our University alone, among others
Recall that the SSANU Women’s Committee recently demanded the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor over allegation of alleged sexual harassment made by a staff of FUOYE, Mrs Folasade Adebayo
Also recall that following a petition by the said staff, the University Governing Council led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba had constituted a committee to investigate the allegation. The committee is yet to submit its reports.
However, scores of the students protested at the university campus, following by what they described as politically motivated attack on the the Vice Chancellor, while accusing the SSANU women committee of attempting to disrupt the university’s progress through baseless claims.
Speaking during the protest, some student leaders, identified as Comrade Olaniyan lsrael Eniola, Vice-President of the Students Union, Justice Victor Ajisafe Olaseni, Chief Justice of the Student Union Judicial Council, ldowu Andrew Odunayo, Senator representing Faculty of Law, (whom represented the student union Senate President, expressed displeasure of the students to alleged plots by SSANU which they claimed dated back to November 2024.
They students 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 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 falsehoods and engage in media blackmail. We were shocked to read how they publicly disgraced themselves, calling for the removal of our VC without any factual basis.”
The student leader went on to highlight that Mrs Adebayo herself had never accused Professor Fasina of sexual harassment in any of her petitions.
“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.”
The students reiterated their full support for the Vice-Chancellor, describing his administration as the most impactful in the history of FUOYE.
“Under Professor Fasina’s leadership, FUOYE has witnessed unprecedented development. He has been a compassionate father figure to students, ensuring zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sex-for-marks, intimidation, and oppression. He has actively supported students through scholarships and financial aid, ensuring that no student drops out due to financial hardship.”
The students 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.
End.
