The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has accused the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Professor Abayomi Fashina, of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against its members in a bid to coerce them into disowning the position of the union’s national leadership.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Vice President, West, Dr. Abdussobur Salaam, and the Zonal Secretary, Hamzat Oyelere, the union alleged that Professor Fashina, with the backing of the institution’s Registrar and Bursar, is compelling SSANU members across departments to sign a yet-to-be-drafted disclaimer letter targeting the national body’s position.
“This action is not only criminal but a deliberate attempt to undermine the collective will of our union and suppress legitimate staff concerns,” the statement read.
The union specifically named the Bursar, Mrs. Bolanle Debo-Ajagunna, as being “most vehement” in threatening staff under her supervision to comply with the directive.
Describing the situation as a “climate of fear and intimidation,” SSANU alleged that staff at FUOYE have, for over a year, been subjected to victimisation, harassment, and coercion under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor.
“The latest development involves open threats of punitive consequences for those who refuse to sign the disclaimer, a clear violation of workers’ rights to free association and expression,” the union added.
The union also criticised the university’s governing council, accusing it of complicity and inaction due to what it described as an “incestuous relationship” with the Vice-Chancellor.
It further alleged that the council had turned a blind eye to “ongoing sexual harassment, and serial financial and ethical infractions” said to have been committed by the embattled VC.
According to SSANU, rather than engage in dialogue with union members over legitimate concerns, the university management has chosen the path of intimidation, worsening industrial relations within the institution.
The union condemned the alleged coercion in the strongest terms and called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, and other stakeholders to urgently intervene to prevent further escalation.
It also urged its members at FUOYE to remain steadfast and not yield to threats, pledging to pursue legal and industrial actions to protect their rights.
“This undemocratic and anti-labour practice is capable of disrupting academic and administrative activities at the university,” SSANU warned.
The union further called on civil society groups, the labour movement, and the general public to join in resisting what it described as tyranny by the university’s management.
SSANU vowed to continue advocating for staff welfare and institutional accountability, stressing that it would not allow the rights of its members to be trampled upon.
Efforts to reach Professor Fashina and the university’s management for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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