Students at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, took to the streets on Wednesday to protest what they described as an attempt to destabilize the university through false allegations against their Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.
Led by the Vice President of the Students’ Union Government, SUG, Eniola Olaniyan, the protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “We love our VC, stop hatred, spread love” and “Leave Fasina alone, let him breathe.”
The demonstration came in response to a press conference held by the SSANU National Women’s Committee in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, on March 4, where the group called for the vice chancellor’s suspension over an allegation of sexual harassment.
Olaniyan described the demand as a “shameful, politically motivated attack” lacking any factual basis.
“We are angry that a so-called union body, led by Mrs. Ijeoma Kalu, is attempting to tarnish the image of our highly respected VC with completely unfounded claims,” she said.
She further stated that Mrs. Adebayo, the supposed victim, had never formally accused Fasina of sexual harassment in any document or police statement.
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“The vice chancellor has clarified that nowhere in her petition to the Governing Council was sexual harassment mentioned. Even in her police statement, there was no reference to such an allegation. So where did the SSANU Women’s Committee fabricate this claim from?” Olaniyan asked.
The SUG reaffirmed its full support for Fasina, praising his administration for fostering unprecedented development in the university.
“Under his leadership, FUOYE has recorded tremendous progress. He has been a compassionate father figure, ensuring zero tolerance for sexual harassment, intimidation, and oppression. His commitment to student welfare, including scholarships and financial aid, is unmatched,” she added.
The students warned SSANU and its affiliates to stop interfering in the matter and allow the university’s governing council to handle the issue fairly and transparently.
“We will not allow external forces to disrupt the peace and progress of FUOYE with baseless and damaging narratives,” Olaniyan declared.
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