FUOYE VC Cleared Of Sexual Harassment Allegation

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has officially absolved its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi S. Fasina, of sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by a senior university engineer, Engr. Folasade Adebayo.

In a decisive statement, the university’s Governing Council said it found no evidence of sexual misconduct, instead accusing Adebayo of engaging in acts of blackmail, including secretly recording private conversations with the Vice-Chancellor. The Council criticised her conduct, insisting that such recordings were unethical and damaging to the institution’s image.

The controversy, which had generated intense public debate, stemmed from a leaked audio clip that surfaced in January 2025. In the recording, Professor Fasina was heard acknowledging romantic overtures toward Adebayo and lamenting that their private exchanges had been exposed. Although he admitted making advances, Fasina argued in the conversation that it did not amount to harassment and warned Adebayo about the implications of publicising such sensitive information.

However, in a surprising turn, the university stated that Engr. Adebayo never formally lodged a complaint of sexual harassment with any official university channel. Instead, she was accused of using the recording as leverage to pressure the administration into confirming her as substantive Director of Works, a position the Vice-Chancellor was reportedly not empowered to approve.

The Governing Council further revealed that Adebayo’s acting tenure as Director of Works had expired, and was not terminated as she claimed. It also faulted the university management for backdating her promotion and ordered a review of that process.

While exonerating Professor Fasina based on police investigations and internal findings, the Council issued him a caution, urging him to exercise more discretion in his interactions with subordinates.

Additionally, the Council demanded that Engr. Adebayo tender a formal apology within seven days for allegedly tarnishing the university’s reputation. It acknowledged listening to the audio in question but clarified that no forensic analysis had been carried out on the material.

As part of broader reforms, the Council announced plans to introduce new policies addressing cyberbullying, social media use, and professional conduct within the university. It also disclosed moves to establish a Peace and Reconciliation Committee and improve onboarding programs for new staff.

Furthermore, the institution intends to honour distinguished Nigerians by naming campus roads and buildings after them. The Council also cleared two former members of past bribery allegations, citing insufficient evidence.

The case has drawn mixed reactions from the academic community and the public, with many questioning the university’s handling of sensitive issues and the decision not to subject the audio evidence to forensic scrutiny.
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