Protesters Demand Suspension of FUOYE VC Over Alleged Sexual Harassment
A group of protesters gathered at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, urging the immediate suspension of Professor Abayomi Fasina from his role as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), so that an unbiased probe into a sexual harassment accusation can proceed.
Holding up placards with messages like ‘Ekiti Deserves Better’ and ‘Protect Our Women,’ the protesters insisted that it would be inappropriate for the vice-chancellor to retain his position while under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct.
Professor Fasina has been the subject of ongoing inquiries following the emergence of a leaked audio recording linked to a sexual harassment claim involving one of his married junior colleagues.
Speaking with reporters after submitting a formal complaint to Education Minister Tunji Alausa, the protest leader, Victor Adetola, who represented the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption, stated that removing the vice-chancellor would allow a proper and unbiased examination of the allegations.
Adetola stated, “We have looked at the developing story that has been going on in that university as an organisation that is fronting for the welfare of Nigerian students and the community or the educational community generally.”
He added, “The issue will be festering if there is no thorough investigation, and we need that place to be sanitised. Honestly, currently there is a disciplinary action investigation that is going on that was first given a three-week ultimatum.”
“After that, they requested another three-week ultimatum, even including the governing council. And for the past six months, nothing has been done. We see that a lot of undiagnosed corruption has been festering.”
“In fact, one of the most critical issues happening is the sexual harassment that has happened to one of the married assistant directors in that school.”
“Specifically, it’s necessary that the university’s leader step down first, or the governing council relieve him of that position first, so that an independent investigation can be carried out on all the petitions we have written.
