Despite existing audio evidence, the Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment against the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi S. Fasina, and has instead directed the accuser, Engr. Folasade Adebayo, to issue a formal apology for allegedly tarnishing the university’s image.
This decision was reached during the Council’s 8th Extraordinary Meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, and announced in a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mr. Mufutau A. Ibrahim.
According to the statement, the Council reviewed the findings of multiple investigative panels, including one focusing on the sexual harassment allegation raised by Engr. Adebayo, a former Acting Director of Works and Services. The Council claimed there was no formal complaint filed and faulted Adebayo’s conduct, stating she never submitted a formal allegation of harassment.
The Council concluded that Engr. Folasade Adebayo never made any complaint of sexual harassment against the Vice-Chancellor, the statement read.
The Council further described the audio recordings submitted by Adebayo as “tools for blackmail,” asserting they were aimed at pressuring the university into confirming her as substantive Director of Works—an appointment power not vested in the Vice-Chancellor.
However, a January 23, 2025, report by SaharaReporters included an audio recording in which Professor Fasina admitted to making romantic advances toward Adebayo. In the recording, Fasina expressed regret and concern over the disclosure of their private interaction:
“As you see me now, the mistake I ever did in my life is that I made love advances to you… If I like someone, that is my way of showing it. You are a married woman so. But the point is that I felt we should be…”
He further acknowledged:
“Even if I made romantic advances towards you… I apologise for it.”
Despite this, the Council maintained that the recordings were not subjected to forensic evaluation and aligned its decision with a previous investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, during which Adebayo reportedly stated she was not sexually harassed.
The Council condemned the act of recording the Vice-Chancellor without his knowledge or consent, calling it a violation of academic community values. As a consequence, Adebayo was issued a formal warning and instructed to apologise in writing within seven days.
Additionally, the Council criticized the university management for allegedly backdating Adebayo’s promotion to 2015 in 2024, calling it an act of preferential treatment and ordering a formal review.
While exonerating the Vice-Chancellor, the Council advised him to exercise more caution in interactions with subordinates and pledged to develop policies on cyberbullying, social media use, and public relations. It also announced the setup of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee and other internal reforms, including naming university buildings after notable Nigerians.
The controversy has sparked broader debate over the culture of silence, power dynamics in academia, and institutional accountability. Critics argue that the Council’s decision, in light of Fasina’s own recorded admission, may deter future victims from coming forward.
