No fewer than 300 former students of the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Professor Abayomi Fasina has declared solidarity and support for the VC over the recent allegations of sexual harassment against him.
The former students of Agricultural Sciences faculty made this known in a statement signed by Adejoro Blessing Oluwaseun (For Agric 2010 Set); Yusuf Abdulateef (For Agric 2013 Set) ; Onile Dotun Seun(For Agric 2014 Set) on behalf of the over 300 Ex-Students.
The statement reads, ” We, the former students of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, express our unwavering support for him during this challenging time. This statement is signed by representative of over 300 Agricultural sciences alumni across the years 2007 to 2020, all of whom have benefitted from Professor Fasina’s guidance, either as undergraduates, postgraduates, or colleagues in the academic field.
” There has been considerable surprise and concern among those of us who have had the privilege of being trained under Professor Fasina’s tutelage regarding the recent allegations circulating against him. As many affectionately refer to him as “Prof. Fash,” he is a trailblazer, an exemplary teacher, and a responsible family man who would never engage in wrongful conduct.
” We understand that the management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is currently scrutinizing the motives behind the voice recordings that have surfaced. While we do not wish to preempt the panel’s findings, we firmly believe that Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina cannot be found wanting in this matter.
” We recognize the underlying bias and ethnic sentiments that may be driving this attack against Prof. Fasina, particularly at a time when the university is approaching its Convocation and as his tenure draws to a close. This situation appears to be a coordinated attempt at character assassination aimed at tarnishing his esteemed reputation.
” It is essential to note that reports regarding an alleged invasion by DSS operatives at the residence of Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba, Mrs. Adebayo’s younger brother, have been confirmed false by security sources. There is no evidence to suggest that Professor Fasina has any influence over federal security agencies, and any insinuation to that effect is both misleading and unrealistic.
” We are aware that some discontented individuals, opposed to Prof. Fasina’s leadership, may be behind this orchestrated attack. Their goal seems to be to discredit his administration, incite chaos, and possibly compel him to resign. Furthermore, we have observed the involvement of certain media personnel, motivated by a lack of patronage, in spreading harmful narratives against Prof. Fasina. We urge the public to await the outcome of the investigating panel.
” We have full faith in the committee, chaired by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, to conduct fair hearings and meticulously examine all allegations.
” In the four years of Prof. Fasina’s leadership, he has been a father figure to students, dedicated to protecting them from sexual harassment, intimidation, and oppression. He has fostered an enabling environment for learning, promoting academic excellence and character development essential for national transformation. Notably, under Prof. Fasina’s tenure, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has named the Federal University Oye-Ekiti as the 4th most sought-after university in the country. Each year, he provides scholarships and financial support to ensure that students can continue their academic journeys without hindrance.
It is disheartening that the significant developments at FUOYE under Prof. Fasina’s leadership have become overshadowed by unhealthy rumors. We advise against the interference of uninvited entities that could disrupt investigations and further tarnish the university’s reputation. We await the findings of the governing council’s committee investigating this matter.
We, the former students of Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, firmly believe that the allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Engineer Folashade Adebayo, a Deputy Director of Works & Services at FUOYE, are part of a calculated scheme to undermine his character. We stand united in our support for his integrity and reputation built over a remarkable four-decade-long career.
In conclusion, we encourage everyone to reserve judgment until the facts are fully examined, and we express our solidarity to Professor Fasina, confident that his character will prevail against these unfounded allegations.”
