Breaking: FG suspends Fuoye’ VC over sexual harassment allegation

April 14, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

Federal Government have suspended the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE) in Ekiti State, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, over sexual harassment allegation.

The suspension takes immediate effect.

Professor Abayomi was accused of sexual harassment by a senior female university official, Engr. Folasade Adebayo.

However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, expressed disappointment with the university’s Governing Council Committee’s decision to clear Prof. Fasina.

Sahara Reporters revealed that sources close to the matter claimed the committee recommended Engr. Adebayo apologize to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Fasina, seemingly disregarding her allegations of sexual misconduct.

This decision reportedly sparked outrage from the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who expressed strong dissatisfaction with the committee’s handling of the situation.

“The minister was very angry with the decision of the council,” a source familiar with the matter said. “He was unhappy that the council tried to sweep the sexual harassment complaint under the carpet and rather told the complainant to apologise. He called the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), to register his displeasure.”

The Professor reportedly requested the council to allow him to proceed with his annual research leave instead of facing suspension.

“You know, as a Vice-Chancellor, if you wish to end your tenure early, especially within six months to the end of your term, you are permitted to proceed on your accumulated leave,” the source explained. “Although Fasina’s tenure is due to end in August, the Council has now asked him to proceed on that leave effective immediately.”

The University’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mufutau A. Ibrahim, confirmed the development in a press statement, saying:

“The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) at its 7th Emergency Meeting held online on Monday, 14th April, 2025, considered the request of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, to proceed on his accumulated Annual and Research Leave and approved six (6) months, being 126 working days out of his total entitlements of 228 days with effect from today, Monday, 14th April, 2025.”

Additionally, Prof. Samuel Olubunmi Shittu, Professor of Soil Science and current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), will serve as Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, as stated:

“In addition, the Governing Council appointed Prof. Olubunmi S. Shittu, the incumbent Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, who is also the most senior of the three (3) Deputy Vice-Chancellors, as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University for a period of six (6) months with effect from today, Monday, 14th April, 2025”