The Association for Students Social Welfare (ASSW) addresses the public today, October 18th, 2025, not for convenience but for conscience. We are compelled to speak out against a disturbing wave of lawlessness, impunity, and misuse of authority that is gradually eroding the integrity of one of Nigeria’s key citadels of learning — the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
The press statement read by Ambassador Victor Adetolaju, MITPN. Founder, Association For Students Social Welfare (ASSW), said for years, the ASSW has acted as a moral compass for students across Nigeria’s higher institutions, standing for fairness, accountability, and protection of the vulnerable. Sadly, recent developments in FUOYE have revealed a culture of administrative high-handedness, intimidation, and alleged sexual misconduct that threatens the foundation of ethical leadership in education.
At the heart of the current controversy lies a case involving the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, who allegedly attempted to obstruct an ongoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into allegations of sexual harassment and administrative malpractice.
Instead of allowing the process of justice to take its course, the Vice-Chancellor reportedly went to court to halt the investigation — despite acknowledging the accusations in his official leave correspondence. Such conduct, the Association argues, contradicts the transparency and accountability expected from a public officeholder entrusted with shaping young minds.
What makes the matter even more troubling is the manner of the Vice-Chancellor’s reinstatement after what was described as an “academic research leave.” According to the ASSW, this term does not exist under the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2003 (as amended), nor in any NUC-approved university regulation. The so-called “research leave,” therefore, was an improvised cover for an illegitimate reinstatement process.
Reports indicate that the reinstatement was engineered through an irregular meeting of the university’s governing body.
Governing Council, allegedly convened by its Chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN)
without notifying or obtaining consent from the majority of members. This unilateral action, the Association insists, violates the collective decision-making procedures outlined in university law.
Equally alarming are eyewitness accounts that some students — including individuals from outside FUOYE — were mobilised under false pretences to stage pro-management demonstrations. Organisers allegedly cited support from the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, a claim which official records have never substantiated.
These acts, ASSW maintains, are dangerous attempts to legitimise impunity, intimidate staff and students, and manipulate public perception.
On October 14, 2025, the day of the disputed reinstatement, the FUOYE campus was marked by chaotic scenes. Groups of students reportedly stormed the grounds in convoys, chanting slogans and disrupting academic activities. The Vice-Chancellor was seen leading the convoy from an open-roof vehicle, accompanied by council members Hajiya Nafisa Nahuche Aminu and Barr. Maxwell Gowon, an image many observers described as a display of power, rather than leadership.
Universities are meant to be temples of learning and integrity, not theatres of intimidation or propaganda. The transformation of FUOYE into a zone of fear represents, in ASSW’s view, a grave setback for academic freedom and human dignity in Nigeria’s tertiary education.
To restore sanity, transparency, and institutional trust, the Association for Students’ Social Welfare issues the following urgent demands:
1. Immediate suspension of Prof. Abayomi Fasina pending completion of all investigations into sexual harassment and administrative misconduct.
2. Temporary suspension of the Governing Council Chairman, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), for alleged manipulation of proceedings and abuse of authority.
3. Creation of a Presidential Investigation Panel to review the legality of the Vice-Chancellor’s reinstatement, assess ICPC findings, and recommend disciplinary actions where necessary.
4. Guarantees of safety for staff, union members, and students who have faced threats or harassment during this crisis.
5. Official clarification from the Federal Ministry of Education disowning claims of ministerial approval and reaffirming its commitment to due process.
6. Public release of all Governing Council documents and minutes relating to the reinstatement, to promote accountability and public confidence.
ASSW calls upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Visitor to FUOYE, to act decisively. The Association urges the President to dissolve the current Governing Council, suspend the embattled Vice-Chancellor, and appoint a lawful Acting Vice-Chancellor through the University Senate. It further calls for a multi-agency monitoring committee involving the ICPC, EFCC, NUC, TETFund, and the Ministry of Education to oversee reforms and uphold transparency across all federal universities.
“This situation transcends FUOYE,” Ambassador Adetolaju stated. “It is a national test of leadership and integrity — a defining moment for Nigeria’s education system.”
The ASSW emphasises that the crisis mirrors a broader problem of declining institutional discipline across public establishments. When laws are bent, investigations obstructed, and accountability silenced, the nation’s moral foundation is weakened.
The Association warns that tolerating illegality within a federal university sends a dangerous signal — that power can override justice. Such a precedent endangers every institution meant to safeguard knowledge, equality, and national development.
The Association for Students’ Social Welfare (ASSW) remains steadfast in its mission to defend justice, fairness, and the integrity of education in Nigeria.
“FUOYE must rise again as a true citadel of learning, not a stage for impunity,” the statement concluded. “Let this crisis mark the rebirth of lawful governance in our universities — where truth prevails, the law guides leadership, and education protects our nation’s values.”
