The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Western Zone, has raised concerns over the composition and terms of reference of the investigative panel constituted by the Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) to probe allegations of sexual harassment against the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi S. Fasina.
The union described the process as flawed and potentially biased, warning that the integrity of the investigation may be compromised if urgent reforms are not implemented.
In a statement signed by its National Vice-President, Dr. Abdussobur Olayiwola Salaam, SSANU accused the panel of diverting attention from the core issue of sexual harassment to investigating the source of leaked recordings and media reports on the allegations.
The union argued that most of the terms of reference focus on irrelevant matters, describing the approach as a deliberate attempt to distract the public and shield the Vice-Chancellor from accountability.
SSANU also questioned the neutrality of certain panel members, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, whom it described as a nominee of the Vice-Chancellor, thereby violating the principle of natural justice.
The union also demanded the removal of six other members of the panel, citing their involvement in previous committees and failed reconciliation attempts related to the case.
SSANU insisted that only independent and neutral individuals should handle the investigation to ensure fairness and transparency.
Demand for Vice-Chancellor’s Suspension
The union criticized the Governing Council for allowing Prof. Fasina to remain in office during the investigation. It noted that the Vice-Chancellor’s continued access to university resources and personnel could influence the investigation’s outcome. SSANU contrasted this with the immediate suspension of its branch chairman and secretary over the same issue, describing the situation as an act of double standards.
SSANU’s Prayers
To ensure fairness and justice, SSANU made the following demands:
- A review of the terms of reference to focus on the allegations against Prof. Fasina rather than on peripheral matters like the source of leaked recordings.
- Removal of the seven committee members whose previous roles could compromise the investigation.
- Suspension of the Vice-Chancellor to prevent undue influence on the investigation, just as the SSANU chairman and secretary were suspended.
Conclusion
SSANU emphasized that the allegations of sexual harassment and victimization are sensitive and require the highest level of responsibility from the FUOYE Governing Council.
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.
