There was no case of sexual harassment thus confirming the earlier investigation by the Nigeria Police Force
University Governing Council Clears VC of Sexual Harassment, Orders Apology from Accuser
The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has cleared Vice-Chancellor Professor Abayomi Fasina of sexual harassment allegations made by Folasade Adebayo, the institution’s former Director of Works.
The council has instructed Mrs. Adebayo to submit a written apology to the council within seven days.
The decision follows an investigation launched in February, when the council formed a committee to probe the claims, which had been persistently raised by the FUOYE chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
University Registrar Muftau Ibrahim announced that the council reviewed the committee’s findings during a meeting on Tuesday and concluded that the allegations against the Vice-Chancellor were unfounded.
The council also addressed related actions by SSANU-FUOYE Chairperson Benjamin Faleye and Secretary Ayomikun Aluko, who had issued a communique reiterating the harassment claims. The council deemed their conduct as misconduct.
Previously, in December, the university suspended Faleye and Aluko for making what it called “unproven” allegations without following proper channels. The council has now lifted their suspensions, but with conditions: they must forfeit half their salaries for the suspension period and submit letters of apology and a commitment to adhere to university regulations within seven days.
“On the alleged case of sexual harassment levelled against the VC, Abayomi Fasina, a professor, council asked the VC to recuse himself from the meeting to ensure free and open deliberation on the report,” parts of the statement reads.
“The audio recordings were listened to by all council members with the assistance of a translator. Thereafter, Council discussed the report exhaustively though the audio recordings were not subjected to any forensic evaluation and arrived at.
“There was no case of sexual harassment thus confirming the earlier investigation by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during which investigation Adebayo had made a statement that she was not sexually harassed.
“All documents relied on in the investigation by the Committee were attached to the report (NPF report, audio tapes, their transcripts, correspondences by the Vice-Chancellor and Adebayo, minutes of Management meetings etc).”
The council condemned the recording of the vice-chancellor without his consent.
It also accused Mrs Adebayo of using the recording as a tool for blackmail to have her confirmed as substantive Director of Works.
“Contrary to Adebayo’s allegation that she was removed as Acting Director of Works and Services, her tenure rather expired,” the statement said.
The council agreed to come up with policies on cyber-bullying, use of social media, community and public relations.
The statement also indicated that the Council will set up a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to look into all issues within the University. Read More
