Federal University Oye-Ekiti Forms 9-Member Panel to Investigate VC Fasina on Sexual Harassment Claims

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Governing Council has established a nine-member committee to look into claims of sexual harassment made against Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, the vice-chancellor of the university.

Mrs. Folasade Adebayo, a female employee, reported that the Vice-Chancellor had made immoral approaches, which led to this decision.

Mufutau A. Ibrahim, the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, issued a statement on Friday directing the committee to carry out a thorough investigation and ascertain the veracity of the claims in a span of three weeks.

He stated that within the allotted period, the committee should be able to identify the core of the issue and deliver its conclusions to the Council.

“At its emergency meeting on Friday, January 24, 2025, the Governing Council noted that online organizations, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), and it was published a series of audio tapes alleging that the Vice-Chancellor sexually harassed Engr. Mrs. Folashade Adebayo, a Deputy Director, of Works in the University,” the statement continued.

“The Council excused the Vice-Chancellor from the meeting due to his accusations.”

Ibrahim clarified that after a thorough discussion of the concerns, the Governing Council noted that the Federal University Oye-Ekiti has recently made headlines for the wrong reasons and that the unfavorable reports are drawing attention away from the university’s outstanding accomplishments.

“The Council subsequently established a nine-member committee with the following terms of reference to properly investigate the claims and get to the heart of the issue within three weeks:

“Investigate the source of the viral audio recording alleging the immoral moves by the Vice-Chancellor and the purchase of the positions of the Bursar and Registrar;” is the committee’s mandate.

“To look into the reason behind the recording; to look at how the recording received popularity on social media;

“To examine Mrs. Folasade Adebayo’s claims, namely the accusation of unethical advances made against Prof. Abayomi S. Fasina, the vice chancellor;

In order to disprove the accusations made by Engineer Folasade Adebayo against Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abayomi S. Fasina, it is necessary to examine all prior acts and efforts taken by the police, the immediate past chairman of the Council, and others.

“To look into any additional issues regarding the claims.”

At its next meeting, which is set for the third week of February 2025, he said, the Council hopes to discuss the committee’s report.

“In the meantime, the Council wishes to encourage members of the University community and the general public to remain calm and focused as the Council is determined to do justice and there will be no sacred cows,” Ibrahim continued.

He refuted the accusations when he spoke with Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of FUOYE, according to earlier reports.

“The Governing Council will form a committee to examine the issue,” he said.

The idea of suspending someone is premature, he added. It is utterly premature because that issue existed prior to my arrival, and my predecessor attempted to find a peaceful solution by having the parties discuss it.

Additionally, it seemed that Engineer Adebayo was not content because she continued to write another petition. Additionally, such recordings have been more widely available and are now available in various versions.

So we decided that a committee should be formed by the council. This morning, the council is holding an emergency meeting to talk about a certain issue. Therefore, we will be forming a committee that will hear from the vice chancellor as well as Mrs. Adebayo.

Then, since the police had already looked into this issue and there is a police report, we will examine all prior attempts, including police investigations. The council will also form a committee today. In addition to waiting for the committee’s decision, we have an emergency meeting and a council meeting today.

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It inquired as to whether Ndoma-Egba had taken sides in the dispute and concerning claims that Engineer Adebayo might be suspended by the council.

“I mentioned that the council is forming a committee today,” he retorted.

Since I’m pro-chancellor, it would have been inappropriate for me to declare my stance if I had chosen a viewpoint. However, the council, not the pro chancellor, must make all decisions. We were forced to call an emergency council meeting to address the matter because of this.
And he went on, Additionally, the statement I made that you cited is untrue. Everything they said about me at the Oba’s palace is completely false. The speech I gave has been recorded.

“Someone is just being naughty, in my opinion. I stated that I was named the University’s Pro Chancellor on November 20. On November 25, the union went to the press. I wasn’t even given a chance to get involved in the situation.

“They have since sent petitions to the minister personally. Grievance handling mechanisms are in place in all institutions.

All of these concerns will be examined by them. The unions and I met yesterday. every union besides ASUU. With the exception of playing the recording of my speech, which is completely out of context, the quote is therefore false. Almost nothing like what I said.

“Please, I’m the new pro-chancellor. In 2011, Federal University Oye-Ekiti and twelve other institutions were established. Before I was sent to Ekiti, I was in Lokoja. Oye-Ekiti is currently the nation’s fourth most subscribed university. We don’t make that judgment.

“JaMB makes that determination by examining the quantity of applications and other factors. In just 14 years, we now have about 55,000 students. We are currently rated 15th out of 14 countries. These accomplishments are noteworthy but not widely reported. We are currently making headlines for trivial reasons.

“You understand? Thus, kindly have that background as well. Ndoma-Egba continued, “As we spread these unfavorable rumors, we should also quickly discuss the university’s outstanding accomplishments.