The Western Zone of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has expressed serious reservations over the nine-member panel set up by the Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) to investigate allegations of sexual harassment leveled against the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi S. Fasina.
The allegations were made by Engineer Mrs. Folashade Adebayo, a member of SSANU, whose whistleblowing efforts have reportedly led to her victimization.
In a letter signed by Dr. Abdussobur Olayiwola Salaam, SSANU’s National Vice-President, the union highlighted perceived flaws in the composition and terms of reference of the committee, warning that the integrity of the investigative process could be compromised.
Concerns Over Terms of Reference
SSANU accused the Governing Council of diverting attention from the core issue of sexual harassment to peripheral matters. The union noted that most of the terms of reference focused on identifying the sources of leaked recordings and online reports published by investigative platforms, rather than addressing the allegations against the Vice-Chancellor.
The union described the approach as an attempt to gaslight the public and distract them from the critical issue.
Questionable Composition of the Committee
The union also raised concerns about the inclusion of some officers in the panel, particularly Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joshua Ogunwole. SSANU argued that as a nominee of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogunwole’s involvement violates the principle of natural justice, as his position could compromise the impartiality of the investigation.
Also, SSANU demanded the removal of six other members of the committee, citing previous involvement in related matters and potential bias.
They are Mr. Matthew Ngajiozor,
Barrister Gowon Maxwell,
Mrs. Nike Omoworare,
Hajia Nafisat Nahuche,
Mr. Tope Arogundade and Barrister L. A. Eni.
The union called for their replacement with independent and neutral individuals, preferably from outside FUOYE.
Call for Suspension of the Vice-Chancellor
SSANU questioned why the Vice-Chancellor has been allowed to remain in office while the allegations against him are being investigated.
The union argued that Prof. Fasina’s continued access to university resources and personnel could influence the investigation’s outcome. It noted that this contrasts sharply with the immediate suspension of SSANU’s branch chairman and secretary over the same matter.
Demands for Fairness
SSANU demanded a review of the panel’s terms of reference to focus on the substance of the allegations and called for the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor to ensure a fair process. It also reiterated its commitment to seeking justice for its members and protecting whistleblowers who expose misconduct within the university system.
Conclusion
The union emphasized that the matter involves sensitive issues of sexual harassment and victimization, which require the highest level of responsibility from the Governing Council of FUOYE.
It warned against shielding the Vice-Chancellor and reaffirmed its commitment to seeking justice for its members, particularly Engineer Mrs. Folashade Adebayo and two union officers, Comrades Benjamin Faleye and Ayomikun Aluko, who have been victimized for whistleblowing.