A civil society group, Campaign for Justice and Fair Play (CJFP), has strongly criticized the National Women’s Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) over what it described as prejudicial and unfair comments against the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina. The criticism follows allegations of sexual harassment leveled against the VC by a university staff member, Folasade Adebayo, which the group claims are unsubstantiated.
The controversy escalated during SSANU’s 50th National Executive Council meeting at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa, on February 26, 2025. At the event, the National Women’s Coordinator, Mrs. Ijeoma Kalu, demanded Prof. Fasina’s immediate suspension. This stance was further amplified in an online publication titled “SSANU Women’s Committee Demands Justice for Victim of Sexual Harassment at FUOYE.” CJFP has denounced this as a premature judgment that creates a misleading narrative about the allegations.
In response, CJFP Chairman Dr. Calistus Jemade accused the SSANU Women’s Committee of engaging in baseless blackmail. “Calling for the suspension of the VC without a prima facie case being established is not only unfair but undermines the principles of justice. Prof. Fasina, like anyone else, deserves a fair hearing. The committee cannot exploit gender advocacy to push an agenda that disrupts due process,” Jemade stated.
He further pointed out that the University Governing Council has already set up a committee to investigate the matter, stressing that the SSANU Women’s Committee should await its findings instead of attempting to dictate the course of action. “The council comprises men and women of proven integrity who are capable of handling the issue professionally,” he added.
Additionally, Jemade referenced a police investigation that concluded that Adebayo was not sexually harassed by Prof. Fasina. This was documented in a statement by Oluwatosin Adesioye Esq, representing Adegboruwa Law Firm, and released in December 2024. He questioned the continued insistence of the SSANU Women’s Committee on pursuing the matter despite this official clarification.
“We suspect there are political motives behind this relentless campaign against the VC. The manner in which certain individuals are pushing this baseless agenda suggests ulterior motives, but we are confident that truth and justice will prevail,” Jemade concluded.
