Outrage As Suspended FUOYE VC Fasina Returns Amid Sexual Misconduct Scandal

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has been thrown into turmoil following the controversial reinstatement of its suspended Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, who was earlier sanctioned over allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

Fasina, accused of making sexual advances toward a married university staff member, Engineer Adebayo Folashade, returned to campus on October 14, 2025, to a grand reception organised by the institution’s Governing Council and management. Eyewitnesses described the event as a “security-guard parade” filled with fanfare, despite the unresolved allegations against him.

The ceremony, reportedly spearheaded by the Council Chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, drew backlash from staff and stakeholders, who condemned it as an embarrassment to the academic community. Many accused the leadership of celebrating impunity and eroding the university’s moral standards.

Sources within the institution claimed that the council’s actions reflected deeper governance issues at FUOYE. They alleged that the administration under Ndoma-Egba had been marked by corruption, financial irregularities, and poor oversight, turning the once-promising university into what they called a “shadow of itself.”

Fasina’s reinstatement came despite pending petitions and investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and mismanagement. Staff unions and concerned employees have already written to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, demanding an independent probe into both Fasina and Ndoma-Egba.

In a petition signed by Comrade Kamal Odunjo-Saka, the workers accused the duo of operating FUOYE like a private business, bypassing due process and violating university regulations. They cited cases of contract inflation, diversion of funds, suppression of staff unions, and victimisation of whistleblowers.

The petition warned that the university’s credibility was fast deteriorating, with fears that continued administrative lapses could lead to accreditation losses, disrupted academic activities, and wider industrial unrest.

Earlier in April 2025, the university’s Governing Council had directed Fasina to proceed on leave and handed over to Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Shittu. However, reports indicated that Fasina defied the directive and maintained control over the university’s affairs.

Fasina’s dramatic return, under tight security and official celebration, has now reignited calls for accountability in Nigeria’s higher education system. Stakeholders are urging the federal government to intervene, insisting that allowing such leadership controversies to fester could destroy public trust in the nation’s universities.