The Western Zone of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has vehemently condemned the recent decisions of the Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, regarding the alleged sexual harassment scandal involving Vice Chancellor Professor Abayomi Sunday Fashina and Deputy Director Engineer Folashade Adebayo.
In a statement released by National Vice President and Chairman of SSANU’s Western Zone, Dr. Abdussobur Salaam, SSANU expressed outrage over what it perceives as a gross miscarriage of justice and a failure of ethical leadership within the university system.
The controversy stems from a press release issued by the Governing Council following its meeting on Tuesday, 8th April 2025.
According to the statement signed by Council Secretary Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, the Council acknowledged the existence of audio recordings implicating the Vice Chancellor in inappropriate conduct towards Engineer Folashade Adebayo.
However, SSANU South West leader argued that the Council’s handling of the matter has set a troubling precedent and compromised the integrity of the investigation process.
The South West Chairman called for the immediate dissolution of the Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, citing a loss of confidence in its ability to uphold ethical standards and provide effective leadership.
Dr. Salam said “the decisions of the Governing Council represent a new low for Nigerian universities.
“Instead of upholding justice, the Council has chosen to protect the accused while further victimizing the whistleblower.
“This sends a disturbing message about the state of governance and ethical standards within our educational institutions.”
He further criticized the Council for dismissing the recordings as potential blackmail material without subjecting them to forensic evaluation.
He alleges that the Council’s focus on discrediting the recordings rather than addressing their contents underscores a systemic failure to protect the rights and dignity of university staff.
Dr. Salam said “the attempt to label the recordings as blackmail is akin to blaming a victim for safeguarding evidence of wrongdoing.
“It reflects a dangerous disregard for accountability and transparency.”
The union has demanded the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the allegations impartially, urging that Professor Abayomi Sunday Fashina be suspended pending the outcome of this investigation.
In response to what they perceive as vindictive actions against whistleblowers within the university, SSANU has initiated mobilization efforts across 23 universities in the Western Zone for a potential industrial action.
SSANU vows to continue her protest until the demands for justice and accountability are met.
“We call upon the Federal Government and all relevant stakeholders to intervene in this matter,” Salaam concluded.
“The integrity of our educational institutions and the rights of university staff are at stake. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
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