* Urge VC not to be distracted, but concentrate on building more legacies
By John Odunayo
The students of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), have described as immature and unwarranted the allegations recently leveled against the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
They urged the VC not to be distracted by the unfounded allegations designed to undermine the peace, progress, and development that FUOYE, but concentrate more on building enduring legacies for the university.
A statement signed on behalf of over 50,000 students of FUOYE by the President, Student Union Government, Miss Mary Olorunshola Abiodun, entitled: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH AT FUOYE” , and made available to newsmen, reads in part, “We have read with profound shock and dismay the recent public statement issued by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUOYE chapter.
In the statement, several allegations including reversal of appointments of teaching staff into non-teaching roles, sexual harassment and victimisation of a union member; staff intimidation, creation of hostile work environment, abuse of office and lack of accountability were levelled against the VC.
The SUG stated, “While we find these accusations deeply troubling, we believe strongly that there are more constructive and civilised channels through which this caucus of SSANU members could have expressed its grievances, rather than resorting to the reckless option of issuing a sensational and defamatory public statement. This public “media war” is both immature and unbecoming, reflecting poorly on the image of the institution.
“A union, as we understand, exists primarily as a pressure group advocating for the welfare of its members. However, descending into sentimental and unsubstantiated allegations, such as sexual harassment, against the Chief Executive of the university is highly inappropriate. Such matters demand objectivity, devoid of personal grudges, egos, or political agenda. It is disappointing to see a matter of such gravity handled in such a sensational and informal manner, detracting from the dignity of FUOYE.
“We urge the VC not to be distracted by these unfounded claims, which seem designed to undermine the peace, progress and development that FUOYE has enjoyed under the leadership of Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina. His administration has brought tremendous achievements that have elevated the university to an enviable position of success. For the record, the VC has performed admirably in providing world-class learning and teaching facilities for the growing student population across FUOYE’s twin campuses.
“Prof. Fasina is widely regarded as a student-friendly leader, genuinely committed to academic excellence and the welfare of students. This commitment is evident in numerous achievements during his tenure, including sponsorship of six fresh graduates of FUOYE for fully funded doctoral programmes at prestigious universities in the United States and Brazil.
“Additionally, nine undergraduate students excelled in ICAN examinations, with one student emerging as the overall best in the federation last year. FUOYE students have consistently achieved excellence in fields such as engineering, geology and accounting, outperforming their peers from older, more established universities. These successes are a testament to the VC’s visionary leadership.
“Moreover, Prof. Fasina is a firm disciplinarian with zero tolerance for immorality or criminality. Under his administration, lecturers found guilty of sexual harassment have been exposed and appropriately sanctioned, while female students affected by such misconduct have been protected and granted justice. This proactive stance underscores his commitment to fostering a safe and conducive environment for learning and personal development.
“We stand resolutely in solidarity with Prof. Fasina, who has been a father figure, mentor, and source of inspiration for all students at FUOYE. His contributions have strengthened the university’s reputation and provided students with opportunities for both academic and personal growth.
“We, therefore, call on those bent on destabilising the university to desist from such actions. Whatever grievances they may have, the dignity of FUOYE must remain sacrosanct.
“We urge all parties to embrace decorum, maturity and decency, befitting a civilised institution like ours. Enough of the negative trends and baseless accusations. Let us work together to preserve and advance the reputation and integrity of FUOYE,” the SUG president said.
