The Governing Council of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has cleared the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, of sexual harassment accusations made by a senior lecturer, Mrs. Folasade Adebayo.
A statement released on Wednesday by the university’s registrar and council secretary, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, confirmed the council’s decision, adding that Mrs. Adebayo is required to issue a formal apology to the council within seven days.
The allegations were brought forward in February, prompting the university’s council to form a committee to investigate the claims. These allegations were further pushed by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUOYE chapter, which called for an inquiry.
In its deliberations, the council listened to the contested audio recordings, with a translator assisting in the process. After a thorough review, council members concluded that no evidence of sexual harassment existed. This aligns with the findings of the Nigerian police, who also reported that Adebayo had clarified she was not sexually harassed.
The council emphasized that the recording was used as a tool for blackmail, attempting to pressure Prof. Fasina into confirming Adebayo as the substantive Director of Works and Services, a position he had no authority to appoint her to. As a result, Mrs. Adebayo has been directed to issue an apology for tarnishing the university’s reputation.
Additionally, the council expressed concern over the preferential treatment Adebayo received, including a questionable backdating of her promotion to 2015 in 2024. The council has instructed the university management to review this promotion and avoid similar irregularities in the future.
Finally, the council has decided to advertise the position for a substantive Director of Physical Planning and Director of Works and Services, ensuring a transparent process moving forward.
