Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti Suspended Over Allegations of Sexual Harassment

Abuja, NIGERIA — The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has been suspended by the institution’s Governing Council following sexual harassment allegations made by Engr. Folasade Adebayo, a senior university official.

The suspension follows a series of events that have sparked controversy within the university. Sources reveal that on Monday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, strongly condemned the Governing Council’s initial response to the accusations. It is alleged that the council’s committee dismissed the harassment claims, instead recommending that Adebayo apologise to the Vice-Chancellor.

The minister’s dissatisfaction with the council’s handling of the matter was evident. “The minister was furious with the council’s decision,” a source said. “He was particularly angered that they appeared to downplay the sexual harassment allegations and instead sought an apology from the complainant. He immediately contacted the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, to express his concerns.”

In response to the minister’s intervention, Senator Ndoma-Egba convened an emergency online meeting of the Governing Council on Monday afternoon. During the meeting, the Council reversed its earlier recommendation and decided to suspend Prof. Fasina. The Vice-Chancellor, however, requested to proceed on his accumulated leave rather than face an outright suspension.

Sources confirm that the Council granted Fasina’s request, permitting him to take six months of accrued leave, which had been due to him. “As Vice-Chancellor, Fasina has the option to take accumulated leave if he wishes to end his tenure early,” said the source. “Although his tenure was set to conclude in August, the Council agreed to let him proceed on leave effective immediately.”

In the meantime, the Governing Council appointed Prof. Samuel Olubunmi Shittu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and senior-most of the university’s three deputy vice-chancellors, as Acting Vice-Chancellor. His appointment is effective for six months, beginning on April 14, 2025.

A statement confirming these developments was issued by Mufutau A. Ibrahim, the Registrar and Secretary to the Council. It reads: “At its 7th Emergency Meeting held online on Monday, 14th April 2025, the Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti considered the request of Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina to proceed on his accumulated Annual and Research Leave, which was approved for six months. Furthermore, the Governing Council appointed Prof. Olubunmi S. Shittu as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a period of six months, effective today, Monday, 14th April 2025.”