The Civil Society Coalition on the Leadership of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has rejected allegations of sexual harassment and staff victimization against the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Abayomi Fasina.
At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, led by Comrade Shuaib Abdulkadir, the coalition dismissed claims by the FUOYE Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) accusing Fasina of administrative recklessness and financial impropriety. The coalition described the allegations as politically motivated and baseless, aimed at tarnishing the reputation of a leader whose positive impact is widely recognized.
According to the coalition, Prof. Fasina’s leadership is marked by accessibility, inclusivity, and empathy, with a focus on treating all staff members equally. They pointed out that the Vice Chancellor has used personal resources to assist staff in need, further demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of the university community.
The group also highlighted Fasina’s success in increasing the institution’s internally generated revenue (IGR), which has enabled the funding of several academic and infrastructural projects across FUOYE. The coalition insisted that his leadership has led to unprecedented financial growth, which has benefitted the university.
In response to concerns over the appointment of teaching staff to administrative roles, the coalition defended Fasina’s decisions, stating that such moves were strategic and aimed at improving institutional efficiency.
The coalition further criticized SSANU for being the only union within FUOYE to persistently target the Vice Chancellor, suggesting personal motives behind the ongoing criticism. They also raised concerns about the timing of these allegations, noting that they followed closely after the reassignment of the Council Chairman, which may indicate political motivations linked to succession issues.
The coalition called for an investigation into the sources of the malicious claims, urging security agencies and relevant authorities to hold those responsible accountable. They reaffirmed their support for Prof. Fasina, emphasizing their commitment to defending his leadership and ensuring the continued progress of FUOYE.