By Sunday Aribisala
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), an institution once known for its academic strides, is currently mired in controversy following allegations of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and misconduct levelled against the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
The unfolding scandal has generated significant unrest within the university community and beyond, as staff, unions, and students demand justice and accountability.
The controversy began when a leaked audio recording allegedly featuring Professor Fasina making romantic advances to Engineer Folasade Adebayo, a married woman and Deputy Director in the university’s Directorate of Works and Services, surfaced on social media. The audio, which lasted over two hours, quickly went viral within and outside the university community, drawing mixed reactions and igniting debates about power dynamics, ethics, and leadership within academic institutions.
In the recording, Professor Fasina is heard expressing regret over his actions while accusing Adebayo of exposing their private conversations. The Vice-Chancellor described her as “toxic and dangerous” for allegedly discussing the matter with others. He also admitted to making romantic overtures towards Adebayo but argued that his actions were being misrepresented.
Origins of the Conflict
According to sources within the university, the relationship between Professor Fasina and Engineer Adebayo became strained following her purported refusal to yield to his advances. Prior to the fallout, Adebayo had reportedly benefited from a double promotion granted by the Vice-Chancellor. However, when their relationship soured, tensions escalated. Adebayo was transferred to head the university’s Ikole-Ekiti campus, a move she interpreted as a punitive measure designed to marginalise her.
In response to the leaked audio, Adebayo confirmed the allegations of harassment but stated that she needed to consult with her family before making further public statements. She subsequently wrote to the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUOYE chapter, requesting a formal investigation into the rumours and allegations against her.
Her letter reads in part: “I humbly request that this respected union investigates the issue and saves me from further defamation of character and harassment. As a union, an injury to one is an injury to all. I make bold to say that I have never involved myself in any immoral act or relationship and I will never do so.”
The Leaked Audio: A Detailed Breakdown
In the now-infamous audio recording, Professor Fasina accused Adebayo of betraying his trust by discussing their private conversations with others. He claimed that external parties, including officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), were now aware of his alleged advances towards her.
At one point in the recording, the Vice-Chancellor said: “Even if I made romantic advances toward you, I apologise for it. But don’t externalise our discussions. You are exposing yourself to danger. Many women make advances towards me, but I don’t accept all of them. You are not the only woman on campus.”
Adebayo, in her defence, denied leaking the conversation and described the Vice-Chancellor’s comments as a form of blackmail. Despite her denials, Fasina remained adamant, stating that her actions had tarnished his reputation and compromised his ability to trust her.
University Management’s Response
Shortly after the audio leaked, the university’s management issued a query to Adebayo, accusing her of misconduct for allegedly being absent from her duty post during the Vice-Chancellor’s visit to her office. The query, dated July 29, 2024, described her absence as “highly unbecoming of a responsible officer” and demanded an explanation within 48 hours.
This move was seen by many as an attempt to intimidate Adebayo and silence her allegations. It further fuelled tensions within the university community, with staff unions and student bodies expressing outrage over what they perceived as a culture of victimisation and abuse of power.
SSANU’s Allegations and Demands
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUOYE chapter, has taken a strong stance against the Vice-Chancellor, accusing him of sexual harassment, victimisation of union members, and creating a toxic working environment. The union called for an independent investigation into the allegations and demanded transparency in the management of the university’s affairs.
In a joint statement signed by its executives, including Chairman Benjamin Faleye and Public Relations Officer Ramidele Eleniola, SSANU alleged that Professor Fasina’s actions had severely undermined staff morale and eroded trust in the university’s leadership.
“The Vice-Chancellor’s alleged misconduct has created a hostile working environment and led to widespread intimidation of staff, particularly those involved in union activities. We demand an independent probe into these allegations to ensure accountability and restore confidence in the institution,” the statement read.
NANS Joins the Fray
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also weighed in on the controversy, threatening to shut down the university if the Governing Council fails to suspend Professor Fasina pending the outcome of an investigation.
In a statement issued by NANS Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde, the student body described the allegations against the Vice-Chancellor as “reprehensible” and a violation of the ethical standards expected of someone in such a high position of trust.
“We urge the Governing Council of FUOYE to act swiftly to salvage the institution’s reputation and restore confidence in academic leadership in Nigeria. If the Council fails to suspend the Vice-Chancellor before the upcoming convocation, we will mobilise students nationwide to shut down the university,” the statement warned.
Legal Defence and Counterclaims
In response to the allegations, the law firm of Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa & Co., representing Professor Fasina, dismissed the claims as baseless and defamatory. The legal team emphasised the need for evidence-based discussions and cautioned against unsubstantiated accusations that could tarnish the Vice-Chancellor’s reputation.
The firm’s statement reads in part: “We maintain that the allegations against our client are false and have been exaggerated to serve ulterior motives. We urge the public to approach this matter with caution and avoid jumping to conclusions without proper investigation.”
Implications for FUOYE
The ongoing scandal has raised broader questions about governance, accountability, and ethical standards within Nigerian universities. The allegations against Professor Fasina have not only dented the institution’s reputation but have also highlighted systemic issues related to power dynamics and the treatment of staff within academic environments.
Observers argue that the FUOYE scandal underscores the need for stronger policies and enforcement mechanisms to address sexual harassment and abuse of power in higher education institutions. They also stress the importance of creating safe spaces for victims to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
Calls for Reform
As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for comprehensive reforms to address the underlying issues exposed by the scandal. These include: Strengthening Policies Against Sexual Harassment: Establishing clear guidelines and mechanisms for reporting and addressing cases of harassment within universities.
Promoting Transparency in Leadership: Ensuring that university administrators are held accountable for their actions through regular audits and independent oversight.
Empowering Staff and Students: Creating platforms for staff and students to voice their concerns without fear of victimisation.
Fostering a Culture of Integrity: Emphasising the importance of ethical leadership and professional conduct in academic institutions.
Conclusion
The allegations against Professor Fasina and the subsequent fallout have placed FUOYE at the centre of a national conversation about misconduct in higher education. As stakeholders await the outcome of investigations, the scandal serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance, accountability, and reform in Nigerian universities.
For now, the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti remains a divided institution, grappling with the weight of controversy and the challenge of rebuilding trust within its community. Whether justice will be served and lessons learned remains to be seen.
