From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Wednesday staged a mass protest against what they described as a deliberate attempt by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) National Women’s Committee to destabilise the university.
The students carried placards with various inscriptions and chanted solidarity songs to register their displeasure during the protest.
They cautioned the SSANU Women’s Committee against making inflammatory statements that could disrupt the peace and stability of the university.
The protest followed a recent press conference held by the SSANU Women’s Committee in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, where the group demanded the suspension of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Fasina, over an allegation of sexual harassment allegedly made by Mrs Folasade Adebayo, a senior staff member of the university.
The students, who described the allegation as shameful and politically motivated, said such claims by the women’s committee could disrupt the progress of the university.
Speaking during the protest, the Vice President of FUOYE SUG, Comrade Olaniyan Eniola, said, “We are appalled by the disgraceful actions of a so-called union body, the SSANU National Women’s Committee, led by Mrs Ijeoma Kalu, which is demanding the suspension of our highly respected Vice-Chancellor over a completely unfounded allegation.
“It is disappointing that these women, who should be expected to uphold truth and integrity, have chosen instead to spread falsehoods and engage in media blackmail. We were shocked to read how they publicly disgraced themselves, calling for the removal of our beloved VC without any factual basis.”
He added, “The Vice-Chancellor has already clarified that Mrs Adebayo, in her official petition to the Governing Council, never mentioned sexual harassment. Even in her statements before the Nigerian Police, which investigated the matter, there was no mention of sexual harassment. So where did the SSANU Women’s Committee fabricate this claim from? On what basis are they demanding his suspension? This is clearly a politically motivated smear campaign, which is doomed to fail.”
He used the occasion to reiterate the Union’s full support for the Vice-Chancellor, describing his administration as the most impactful in the history of the institution.
“Under Professor Fasina’s leadership, FUOYE has witnessed unprecedented development. He has been a compassionate father figure to students, ensuring zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sex-for-marks, intimidation, and oppression. He has actively supported students through scholarships and financial aid, ensuring that no student drops out due to financial hardship.”
The SUG’s VP charged SSANU and its affiliates to allow the university’s Governing Council to complete its investigation without external pressures.
“It is unfortunate that rather than focusing on the incredible progress FUOYE has made under this administration, some individuals are spreading baseless and damaging narratives. We strongly caution against the interference of uninvited groups seeking to disrupt the university’s stability.
“This issue must be handled legally and fairly, without external manipulations aimed at tarnishing the university’s reputation.”
Eniola urged the Governing Council to act with diligence and fairness, ensuring that justice prevails.
“FUOYE stands as a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s educational landscape, and its integrity must be protected at all costs. We trust that the truth will prevail and that this great university’s dignity, integrity, and reputation will remain untarnished.”
Other student leaders present during the protest include Hon. Justice Victor Olaseni, Chief Justice of the Students’ Union Judicial Council, and Idowu Odunayo, the Senator representing the Faculty of Law, who represented the Students’ Union Senate President, Adebisi Emmanuel.