By Oluseye Ojo
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has tasked the investigative committee set up by the Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) over alleged sexual harassment against the vice-chancellor of the institution to be professional and objective in the discharge of their duties.
The President of the Senate, NANS Headquarters, Babatunde Afeez Akinteye, gave the advice in a statement he issued on the development.
Mrs. Folashade Adebayo, an engineer and Deputy Director of Works at the university, was allegedly sexually harassed by the vice-chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina. A recorded audio tape followed the allegation.
This led the Governing Council to set up a nine-member panel to investigate the allegation against Fasina. The Registrar and Secretary to the Council of the university, Mufutau Ibrahim, in a press statement, said the council met on Friday, January 24, and had an extensive discussion on the matter. The committee, he said, was set up to investigate the allegations and get to the root of the matter.
The committee was given three weeks to submit its report. He added that the terms of reference for the committee include investigating the source of the viral audio recordings, alleging immoral moves by the vice-chancellor, as well as the alleged purchase of the positions of bursar and registrar, among other matters.
Meanwhile, NANS appealed to the panel “to approach this matter with professionalism and objectivity to unravel the facts behind the allegations.
“If at the conclusion of the investigation, it is revealed that this case is a witch-hunt or an attempt to tarnish the reputation of any individual, we urge the Governing Council to act decisively in ensuring that such malicious acts are addressed and justice is delivered accordingly.”
NANS also commended the Governing Council of FUOYE for its timely and commendable decision to set up the committee to investigate the allegation against the Vice-Chancellor.
Akinteye stated that the “step reflects the leadership’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice in the institution.
“As the apex students’ body in Nigeria, we align with the decision of the Governing Council under the capable leadership of its Chairman, a man of proven integrity and fairness.
“We strongly believe that the chairman’s leadership will ensure a thorough and impartial investigation that seeks to uncover the truth and maintain the integrity of FUOYE.
Akinteye also acknowledged the numerous appeals from students on the campus, urging the committee to provide a balanced perspective on the matter.
“The students have consistently highlighted the Vice-Chancellor’s long-standing reputation as a student-friendly administrator, who has contributed positively to the welfare and development of FUOYE’s student community.
“It is therefore imperative that this investigation provides him with a fair hearing to ensure that justice is served.
“We reiterate our unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We will continue to support all efforts that promote fairness, peace, and the smooth running of academic activities in FUOYE and other institutions across the nation.”