Federal University Vice Chancellor Entangled in S£xual Har¶ssment Scandal With Married Staff Member
Federal University Vice Chancellor Entangled in Sexual Harassment Scandal With Married Staff Member
Meanwhile, in September 2024, when SaharaReporters contacted the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fasina, to inquire about the allegations of sexual harassment, he reportedly threatened our correspondent on the phone
The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has been implicated in a leaked audio recording allegedly showing him sexually harassing Engineer Folasade Adebayo, a married deputy director at the university’s Directorate of Works and Services.
In the recorded phone conversation obtained by SaharaReporters, Fasina is heard professing his emotions to Adebayo, describing her as someone “so dear” to his heart.
“Marriage is by chance,” Fasina stated in the recording, further adding, “You are the only right person to confide in, in and out.”
He also claimed his feelings for her were deep and consuming, likening them to something “eating deeply” into him.
Meanwhile, in September 2024, when SaharaReporters contacted the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fasina, to inquire about the allegations of sexual harassment, he reportedly threatened our correspondent on the phone.
He said, “Young man, be very careful. You are showing interest in a matter that doesn’t concern you.
“Don’t be a judge in your own case, and you have become very insulting. Don’t go too far. Don’t go too far. You have become rude to the university. If you have an interest in a case, this is not how to go about it.
“Don’t begin to interfere in a matter that does not concern you. Come on, get out, my friend,” the Vice Chancellor added.
On November 30, 2024, SaharaReporters reported that the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at the Federal University Oye Ekiti branch, had petitioned the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, urging him to take immediate action to address allegations of sexual harassment, victimisation, and other governance irregularities at the institution.
In a letter signed by SSANU Chairman, Benjamin Faleye, and the branch secretary, Ayomikun Aluko, the union detailed troubling accusations against the Vice Chancellor, Prof Abayomi Fasina, including claims of sexual harassment and victimisation brought forward by Engr. Mrs. F. Adebayo, the former Director of the Works and Services Unit.
According to the petition, Adebayo alleged that she was subjected to harassment and later victimised after resisting advances from the Vice-Chancellor.
The union disclosed that Adebayo initially reported the incident in February 2024 and that her family sent a follow-up letter in October 2024, reiterating their call for action.
Both communications were attached to SSANU’s petition for the minister’s review.
SSANU also raised concerns about Prof. Fasina’s leadership style, alleging abuse of office, financial mismanagement, and failure to comply with university service schemes.
They alleged that qualified non-teaching staff were being overlooked in favour of teaching staff for leadership roles in non-teaching units, contrary to established regulations.
The petition requested the minister’s intervention to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment and victimisation to ensure due process in staff appointments and welfare policies.
In the audio, Fasina is heard saying, “I’ve compared everybody. I can read everybody like books. I don’t only extend love to you, I dont know, it’s like something that has eaten deeply in, that’s how it looked like. You are only the right person to confide in, in and out.
However, Adebayo said it is not possible for her to date Fasina.
released, it creates pressure that can lead to depression.
“But by God’s grace, I’ve been able to use wisdom to handle a lot of things. Yesterday, before I went to bed, I saw more than 11 people. I met with each of them one by one, discussed with them individually, and I was able to get results.
“Imagine Shade that I’m seeing you every day.
“For me I so much like you, and whenever I see you, I always feel happy. And that’s one thing that makes the difference. And that has been helping me. And that was the reason why I brought you to the management.
“So that if I’m seeing you, I will know that you are for me. If other people are not there, this one is for me. Reasons why Ibrahim was fighting for case that it got to a stage I told him to shut up. And I know he will be poke nosing around, that maybe there’s something between me and you.
“I told him to shut up and made it clear that this is where I stand. When I instructed them to give you the letter, I called him and warned him not to test my patience. I reminded him that I know exactly what I did to secure his appointment as registrar. I told him plainly that I am not joking with him—I paid ₦10 million each, making ₦20 million in total. I also told him that he did not deserve his position.
“I warned him not to block opportunities for others. Do you know how many people come to visit me in that room? They are many.”
“And God has always shown me His mercies and grace, better grace. So, I believe that God will help me, but I’m still telling you my position. I know you are stubborn. But God will touch your mind. God is great. I won’t say more than that, you will understand as time goes on,” he added.
On November 22, 2024, SaharaReporters reported that FUOYE had confirmed allegations of sexual harassment against Dr Anthony Agbegbedia, a lecturer in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies.
Agbegbedia was accused of failing a female student after she refused to submit to his sexual advances.
Meanwhile, the university acknowledged the misconduct, but instead of imposing appropriate disciplinary action in line with school rules, FUOYE controversially promoted Dr Agbegbedia to the rank of Reader.
Though the university admitted to the lecturer’s unethical behaviour, he was rewarded with a promotion instead of facing a thorough investigation and appropriate consequences.
