The Governing Council of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has dismissed sexual harassment allegations against Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abayomi Fasina, concluding a two-month investigation into claims made by senior lecturer Mrs. Folasade Adebayo.
In a resolution announced Wednesday, the council stated that review of audio evidence and police findings showed no substantiation of harassment claims.
The panel determined the recordings were instead used as “blackmail material” to pressure Fasina into confirming Adebayo’s appointment as substantive Director of Works – a position outside his authority to grant.
The council mandated Adebayo to submit a written apology within seven days for “bringing the university into disrepute” while criticizing university management for improperly backdating her promotion. All future director-level appointments will now follow advertised competitive processes.
This ruling comes after months of pressure from FUOYE’s chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) for transparent investigation. The council conducted proceedings with Fasina recused to ensure impartiality, engaging translators to analyze the Hausa-language recordings at the heart of the allegations.
Education analysts note the case highlights ongoing challenges Nigerian universities face in balancing fair harassment investigations against potential weaponization of misconduct claims for professional gain. The council warned staff against similar misconduct while directing management to review promotion procedures to prevent future irregularities.
