FUOYE Appoints Acting VC as Governing Council Responds to Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Prof. Fasina
FUOYE Appoints Acting VC as Governing Council Responds to Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Prof. Fasina
By Matthew Eloyi
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has announced the appointment of Professor Olubunmi S. Shittu as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, following a decision by the university’s Governing Council at its 7th Emergency Meeting held on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Prof. Shittu, a Professor of Soil Science and the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), takes over in an acting capacity for a period of six months.
According to a statement issued by the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Mufutau A. Ibrahim, the decision follows the approval of a six-month accumulated Annual and Research Leave for the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
The Registrar stated, “The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), at its 7th Emergency Meeting held online on Monday, 14th April 2025, considered the request of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, to proceed on his accumulated Annual and Research Leave and approved six (6) months, being 126 working days out of his total entitlements of 228 days, with effect from today, Monday, 14th April 2025.”
The appointment of Prof. Shittu as Acting Vice-Chancellor comes at a critical time for the university, as the institution navigates a period of heightened scrutiny. His leadership is expected to bring a sense of stability and continuity, being the most senior of the university’s three Deputy Vice-Chancellors.
Behind the scenes, it was gathered that the move to grant leave to Prof. Fasina follows recent developments regarding a petition of sexual harassment filed against him by a senior official of the university, Engr. Folasade Adebayo.
The case, which had earlier stirred controversy within the academic community, reportedly drew the attention of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who expressed dissatisfaction with the way it was initially handled by the Council.
A source familiar with the matter revealed that the minister had contacted the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), to express displeasure over what was perceived as an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the complaint. This reportedly prompted the emergency meeting during which the Council reviewed the situation and took action.
Although the Governing Council was said to have initially resolved to suspend the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fasina was eventually allowed to proceed on leave, paving the way for a leadership transition at the top.
