SSANU Women Demand Suspension of FUOYE Vice-Chancellor Over Sexual Harassment Allegation

By MOHAMMED DANBABA

ABUJA – The National Women Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called for the immediate suspension of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fasina, over an alleged case of sexual harassment against a female SSANU member.

The SSANU Women’s Committee has urged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, state governors’ wives, the National Assembly, the Ministers of Education and Women Affairs, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to intervene. They have also threatened to stage a protest at the National Assembly if appropriate action is not taken against the Vice-Chancellor.

Sexual Harassment Allegation Against FUOYE Vice-Chancellor

According to SSANU, the alleged victim, a deputy director in the Works Department, has accused Professor Fasina of persistent and unwelcome advances. The committee described the situation as “a clear case of sexual harassment” and expressed deep concerns over the handling of the case.

In response, Professor Fasina has denied the allegations, claiming that they are baseless and meant to tarnish his reputation. He stated that the police had thoroughly investigated the claims and cleared him of any wrongdoing. The Vice-Chancellor also claimed that the alleged victim provided a written statement to the police, asserting that no sexual harassment occurred.

“This matter has been investigated by the police, and they have given me a clean report stating that I did not commit any offense. The lady in question, in the presence of her husband, even wrote in her own handwriting that there was no case of sexual harassment,” Professor Fasina stated.

SSANU Women Demand Action Against Professor Fasina

Addressing journalists after SSANU’s 50th Regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, the National Women Committee reiterated their call for the Vice-Chancellor’s suspension.

Comrade Ijeoma Basil Kalu, the National Women Coordinator and Chairperson of the Committee, read a prepared statement condemning the alleged sexual harassment and the university’s handling of the matter.

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“This despicable act is not just a gross violation of our member’s dignity and fundamental human rights but a shameful abuse of power that erodes the moral fabric of our academic institutions and, by extension, our female members,” she stated.

SSANU’s Key Demands on the Sexual Harassment Case

The SSANU Women’s Committee outlined several demands to ensure justice is served:

1. Immediate Suspension of the Vice-Chancellor: To allow for an independent investigation, SSANU insists that Professor Fasina be suspended from office.
2. Re-composition of the Investigative Committee: The union is calling for a new panel to be formed, arguing that the current committee’s Terms of Reference appear to be skewed towards dismissing the allegations.
3. Reinstatement of Suspended SSANU Executives: The immediate reversal of the suspension of the FUOYE SSANU branch Chairperson, Comrade Ben Faleye, and the Secretary, Comrade Ayomikun Aluko, who were allegedly targeted for standing by their colleague.
4. Protection for Victims and Whistleblowers: SSANU is demanding a safe and secure working environment for women facing harassment in universities across Nigeria.
5. Intervention by National Leaders and Women’s Rights Organizations: The union has appealed to the First Lady, Minister of Women Affairs, the Nigeria Labour Congress Women Commission, the ICPC, FIDA, and other advocacy groups to ensure justice is served.

FUOYE Governing Council Investigates the Allegations

The Federal University Oye Ekiti Governing Council has set up a nine-member panel to investigate the allegations. The Vice-Chancellor and the alleged victim have both appeared before the panel to give their testimonies.

Speaking on the matter, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, stated that they were awaiting the panel’s report before making any final decision.

“My position is that we should find a way to resolve this problem as soon as possible. We will take necessary action once we receive the panel’s report. I am not in the business of making people uncomfortable or unhappy,” he said.

Professor Fasina Denies Allegations, Calls It Defamation

Professor Fasina has dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign and an attempt to ruin his career. He emphasized that the petition submitted to the university’s Governing Council did not contain any explicit claims of sexual harassment.

“The point is that I am innocent of the allegation; it is not true. In all her written submissions to the Council, she did not mention sexual harassment. This is nothing more than an attempt to defame my character,” he said.

Despite his denial, SSANU maintains that justice must be served, stating that the case should not be swept under the rug.

Call for Justice in Nigerian Universities

SSANU has vowed to continue advocating for female university staff and students who suffer harassment in silence. The union stated that the issue of sexual harassment in Nigerian universities must be addressed with seriousness and transparency to prevent future occurrences.

“We stand in full solidarity with our members and all other victims of sexual harassment. We will continue to fight for a safe and just working environment. Enough is enough – justice must prevail,” the statement concluded.

Hashtags for Awareness

#SSANU, #SexualHarassment, #FUOYE, #JusticeForWomen, #EndAbuse, #HigherEducation, #WomenRights, #NigeriaEducation, #StopSexualHarassment,

Dayo Adesulu, online editor, SEO expert.