Disgraced FUOYE VC Fasina Defies Suspension, Hijacks VC’s Office

Disgraced FUOYE VC Fasina Defies Suspension, Hijacks VC’s Office

In an extraordinary defiance of university authority, the suspended Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has refused to step aside from his official role. This follows his suspension on Monday, April 7, 2025, after a senior university official accused him of sexual harassment, as reported by Sahara.

Despite a formal decision by the university’s Governing Council to place him on accumulated leave and appoint Professor Samuel Olubunmi Shittu as Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fasina has not only failed to comply but has also allegedly locked the Vice-Chancellor’s office and redirected key administrative functions to his private residence. This bold defiance is now sparking widespread concern about governance, respect for institutional decisions, and abuse of power in Nigeria’s higher education system.

The woman at the center of this disturbing case is Engineer Folasade Adebayo, a senior official in the university. Her courage in coming forward has now put the institution under intense public scrutiny. The allegations she made were serious enough for the university’s Governing Council to swing into immediate action. However, rather than quietly obey the suspension, Prof. Fasina has chosen to act like nothing happened.

Multiple university insiders, including top-level academic staff, confirmed that Fasina’s loyal aides moved sensitive administrative files and official vehicles to his personal house late Monday evening. According to a senior university source who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Fasina’s aides packed official mails and university vehicles to his home. He told the Acting VC to inform him of all decisions before taking any action. He’s practically running the university from his sitting room.”

Another staff member expressed deep concern over what they described as a deliberate sabotage of due process. “This situation sets a dangerous precedent. If a suspended Vice-Chancellor can still sit in his house and give orders, then what’s the point of a Governing Council or Acting Vice-Chancellor?”

The acting VC, Professor Shittu, who until now served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), is reportedly facing immense difficulty assuming control. Sources within FUOYE disclosed that Fasina still exerts influence over university affairs and is acting with impunity, emboldened by connections and internal loyalists who continue to relay sensitive administrative communications to him.

This ugly situation has further escalated as Fasina insisted on attending the Committee meeting scheduled in Abuja to select a new Vice-Chancellor. According to another senior source, “The meeting is happening on Wednesday. Fasina is going, and Shittu is also going. Fasina told him that no matter what, all mails and university decisions must pass through him. He’s hijacking the entire selection process.”

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All this follows a major backlash from the Ministry of Education, particularly Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, who reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with the initial handling of the sexual harassment case. According to one source close to the Ministry, the Council initially attempted to dismiss the complaint and shockingly advised the female staff, Engineer Adebayo, to apologise to the Vice-Chancellor.

The Minister was said to be “furious” over the Council’s recommendations. “He could not believe that instead of taking disciplinary action, the Council tried to bury the case,” the source said. “He immediately called Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the Chairman of the Governing Council, and voiced his strong disapproval.”

That intervention triggered an emergency online meeting of the Council later that Monday, where members voted to suspend Fasina. However, to soften the blow and avoid public embarrassment, the Council decided to grant him his accrued six-month leave, which is allowed under university policy—especially when a Vice-Chancellor is nearing the end of his tenure. Fasina’s term was due to end in August 2025.

Still, instead of quietly stepping aside, he has taken a confrontational stance. His refusal to let go has now raised alarm about the effectiveness of the Council’s authority and the university’s ability to discipline senior officials. “It’s clear he’s using institutional weaknesses to his advantage,” said a former academic staff member familiar with FUOYE’s internal politics.

The university’s official communication, released by Registrar and Council Secretary Mufutau A. Ibrahim, clearly stated that Fasina had been asked to proceed on his accumulated leave and that Professor Shittu had been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor. But this official declaration seems to have no practical effect as long as Fasina still commands physical and administrative control.

The public now wants to know: how can a suspended official still receive mails, handle vehicles, and give instructions while under investigation? What does this say about university governance and accountability?

“It’s a textbook case of power gone unchecked,” said one education analyst in Ekiti State. “The university needs to decide whether it will uphold discipline or allow its structures to be hijacked.”

The latest developments have also attracted attention from student unions and civil society groups, who are now calling for a full-scale independent probe. They argue that if someone can be accused of sexual misconduct, suspended, and still function as VC, then female staff and students are not safe. “This case goes beyond policy; it’s a moral test for the Nigerian university system,” one activist said.

Sexual harassment in Nigerian universities remains a systemic problem, often buried under institutional silence and intimidation. Many victims remain afraid to speak, fearing retaliation, career damage, or ridicule. The courage shown by Engineer Adebayo to bring her case forward is rare, and her treatment by the Council—at least initially—adds to the frustration felt by many victims across campuses in Nigeria.

“Universities are meant to be safe havens for learning and development. When they become breeding grounds for impunity, it breaks the trust of the people,” a legal expert told this publication. “The law must take its course. If Fasina is innocent, let him clear his name. But he can’t be both the accused and the boss at the same time.”

On social media, reactions have been swift and fierce. Many Nigerians are demanding that the Education Minister step in again and take stronger action. The hashtags #FasinaMustGo and #JusticeForFolasade are beginning to trend as Nigerians rally behind the suspended staffer and demand reform in FUOYE’s internal processes.

Meanwhile, Professor Shittu is caught in the middle of a chaotic transition, unable to take full control of the institution due to Fasina’s tight grip. There are fears that if urgent steps are not taken, the power tussle could paralyze operations at the university.

“This is not about politics. It’s about the integrity of an institution,” a senior lecturer said. “How can two VCs be operating at the same time? One in the office, and one in his house with all the power? Something has to give.”

In the coming days, the university community, the Ministry of Education, and the Nigerian public will be watching closely. Will the Council take stronger action? Will Fasina continue to hijack the system? And most importantly, will Engineer Adebayo receive the justice she deserves?

For now, the drama continues. But one thing is clear: FUOYE is facing a crisis of confidence. Its reputation, its leadership, and its ability to protect its staff and students are all on the line.