The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fasina, has taken a sudden leave of absence amid a growing sexual harassment scandal, with the institution’s Governing Council appointing an acting Vice-Chancellor.
According to a statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Foluso Ogunmodede, the council approved Fasina’s request to proceed on accumulated research leave, months before the scheduled end of his tenure in February 2026.
While the university insists the leave is unrelated to ongoing controversies, the development comes in the wake of public outrage over the Governing Council’s decision to clear Professor Fasina of sexual harassment allegations levelled by a female Deputy Director at the institution, Engineer Folasade Adebayo.
The Governing Council, in a statement signed by the Registrar, Mufutau Ibrahim, noted that Professor Fasina was granted permission to embark on leave during an emergency meeting held on Monday. The decision was viewed by many stakeholders as unusual, given the standard practice of university vice-chancellors remaining in office until the end of their tenure.
Scandal and Controversy
The decision follows a storm of controversy after a series of leaked audio recordings revealed troubling conversations between Professor Fasina and Mrs Adebayo, in which the VC was heard making unsolicited advances. The revelations prompted widespread condemnation and led to petitions from the local chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), which accused Fasina of misconduct and demanded an investigation.
Despite the evidence presented, the Governing Council, after reviewing the panel’s report and listening to audio clips, declared there was no case of sexual harassment. The council claimed the recordings were not subjected to forensic examination and alleged that Mrs Adebayo attempted to blackmail the VC.
Mrs Adebayo was reportedly asked to tender a written apology within seven days for bringing the university’s name into disrepute, while the management was cautioned for what the council described as administrative irregularities concerning her promotion.
Ministerial Rejection and Fallout
The Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, reportedly rejected the council’s decision to absolve Professor Fasina, insisting that proper action must be taken. According to insider sources, this rejection prompted the VC’s sudden departure under the guise of accumulated leave.
Reacting to the council’s decision, SSANU said it was not surprised by the outcome. The union’s Western Zone Chairman, Abdussobur Salaam, criticised the council for compromising the investigation, describing the verdict as an attempt to protect the perpetrator while punishing the victim.
New Leadership
In the wake of the controversy, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), has been appointed to act as the university’s Vice-Chancellor for the next six months, pending the appointment of a substantive VC.
It remains unclear if Professor Fasina will return after his leave or if the move is a quiet exit from office amid the mounting criticism. However, the university maintains that the leave is unrelated to the harassment allegations, a claim many observers have questioned.
The unfolding events at FUOYE continue to raise concerns about accountability, gender justice, and governance within Nigeria’s university system.
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