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The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has become a battleground of accusations and defenses as the institution’s Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and its Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Abayomi Fasina, trade allegations of misconduct, intimidation, and mismanagement. SSANU has called for the Federal Government to urgently intervene by constituting a panel to investigate allegations of embezzlement of the university’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and sexual harassment of female staff members.
However, the university’s management and allied groups have dismissed these claims as baseless and politically motivated.
SSANU’s Accusations
At a congress held on FUOYE’s main campus, SSANU branch chairman Comrade Faleye Benjamin accused the VC of financial impropriety and sexual harassment.
According to Benjamin, the VC allegedly embezzled IGR and created a hostile work environment characterized by intimidation and victimization, particularly targeting female staff.
Benjamin claimed, “Our female members have been exposed to various kinds of intimidation, victimization, and sexual harassment. One case was officially reported to us by a staff member who accused the VC of harassment. This case was presented to the previous governing council, and we are demanding it not be swept under the carpet.”
SSANU further accused the VC of administrative recklessness, abuse of office, and undermining staff confidence in university leadership. The association also criticized the appointment of teaching staff into non-teaching roles, calling it a deviation from standard university practices. Benjamin urged the new governing council, led by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, to address these issues.
Management’s Defense
In a swift response, the university’s management denied the allegations, describing them as malicious and unfounded. Representing the VC, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Opoola, stated that the accusations were attempts by disgruntled elements to tarnish the university’s reputation ahead of the 2025 Vice-Chancellorship race.
Opoola clarified, “The management is committed to transparency and adhering to financial regulations to protect the institution’s integrity. Claims that the VC harassed staff or embezzled funds are baseless. We remain focused on maintaining law and order.”
The VC’s camp also criticized SSANU’s recent strike over unpaid salaries, accusing union leaders of disrupting campus activities and instigating chaos. Opoola noted that the university deployed security personnel not to intimidate staff but to ensure peace during the strike.
Tragedy Amid the Crisis
Amid the strike, a tragic incident occurred, further fueling the tension. A student reportedly died of an asthma attack, which management attributed to the disruption of services at the university clinic caused by the strike. “The student died because union members obstructed access to the clinic. Such actions are unacceptable,” said Opoola.
SSANU, however, refuted these claims, maintaining that the strike was a legitimate response to the government’s failure to pay salaries and address other grievances.
Allied Groups Weigh In
Adding complexity to the issue, a coalition of university staff groups, including the Congress of Nigerian Academics (CONUA), Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), defended the VC. These groups labeled SSANU’s allegations as politically motivated and unsubstantiated.
According to the coalition, “These accusations are part of a smear campaign orchestrated by individuals aiming to discredit the administration for personal or political gains. The VC has upheld transparency and accountability since his tenure began.”
Need for Federal Intervention
Despite the conflicting narratives, calls for federal intervention have intensified. SSANU insists that only a federal visitation panel can impartially investigate the allegations and restore confidence in the university’s administration.
“We want the federal government to intervene and ensure a uniform standard for universities in Nigeria. The issues at FUOYE must not be ignored,” Benjamin emphasized.
Meanwhile, the VC has urged the federal government to address the underlying causes of the strike by paying outstanding salaries to prevent further disruptions to the academic calendar.
Moving Forward
As the crisis deepens, stakeholders await decisive action from the federal government and the governing council to address the allegations, ensure accountability, and restore stability to FUOYE. While SSANU seeks justice for alleged misconduct, the VC and his allies remain firm in defending their integrity.
The outcome of this conflict will likely shape the future of FUOYE’s leadership and governance, highlighting broader issues of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Balancing the demands for justice with the need for institutional stability will be crucial in resolving the crisis.
Report by Dayo Emmanuel
@dayoemmanuel2
