Tens of students of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Wednesday marched on the roads in protest against alleged deliberate attempt by National Women’s Committee arm of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) to plunge the institution into crisis.
The protesting students championed by members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), walked round the Oye Ekiti campus of the university to register their displeasure with the SSANU.
They warned the SSANU National Women’s Committee against issuing incendiary statements that could abort the relative peace being enjoyed or disrupt the stable academic calendar of the university.
The protest followed calls by the SSANU Women’s Committee for the suspension of FUOYE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina over allegations of sexual harassment.
The Daily Crucible reports that the National Women Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) had while addressing the media after SSANU’s 50th regular NEC meeting at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, called on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wives of governors, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to wade into the matter
The SSANU committee threatened to stage a protest at the National Assembly if no action is taken against the Vice Chancellor.
National Women Coordinator and Chairperson for the committee, Comrade Ijeoma Basil Kalu expressed dismay on the lingering issue regarding the alleged sexual harassment of one of its members and said that the call for suspension of the Vice Chancellor had become imperative in order to allow for a free and fair investigation of the case.
The committee also made other demands, including the re-composition of the Council Committee investigating the allegation, the reversal of the suspension of the Branch Chairperson and Secretary, and the safety and security of their members.
They also called for a accelerated and impartial determination of the matter by the Governing Council.
But Fasina had earlier denied the allegations, claiming he never harassed the lady in question and that the police had also cleared him of any wrongdoing.
He described the allegations as “blackmail” and a “campaign of calumny.”
The embattled Vice Chancellor explained that the petitioner had exonerated him in a statement to the police, stating she was not sexually harassed.
But angered by what the students called a shameful and politically-motivated attack by the SSANu women committee, they said such claim could cause serious problems within the system.
Vice-President of FUOYE Students’ Union, Comrade Olaniyan Eniola reiterated their full support for the Vice-Chancellor, describing his administration as the most impactful in the history of FUOYE.
“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.
“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.”
“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 students told SSANU and its affiliates to allow the university’s governing council to complete its investigation without external pressures.
“The issue must be handled legally and fairly, without external manipulations aimed at tarnishing the university’s reputation,” the students’ leader said.
•Protesting FUOYE students. 
The students urged the Governing Council to act with diligence and fairness and ensure that justice prevails, saying, “We trust that the truth will prevail and that this great university’s dignity, integrity, and reputation will remain untarnished.”
