SSANU LEADERSHIP SEEKS MINISTERIAL INTERVENTION IN THE FUOYE CRISIS AMIDST SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND OTHER ALLEGATIONS

SSANU LEADERSHIP SEEKS MINISTERIAL INTERVENTION IN THE FUOYE CRISIS AMIDST SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND OTHER ALLEGATIONS

By Akin Akinsoluga, 31/12/2025.

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Administrative Committee (NAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Minister of Education, Dr. Tijjani Maarouf Alawusa, to urgently intervene in the ongoing crisis at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). The appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the Minister’s office, where critical issues concerning university governance, staff welfare, and the deepening turmoil at FUOYE were extensively discussed.

The crisis at FUOYE has been marked by serious allegations of sexual harassment, financial misappropriation, and administrative high-handedness against the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina. Multiple reports have surfaced accusing the university’s leadership of misconduct, including alleged exploitation of female staff and students, fraudulent financial dealings, and the suppression of dissenting voices within the institution. Several petitions from whistleblowers and concerned members of the academic community have called for a thorough investigation into these claims.

|Minister Urges Patience, Assures Resolution of Withheld Salaries|

During the meeting, Dr. Alawusa commended SSANU’s National President, Comrade Muhammad Haruna Ibrahim, for his exemplary leadership during his first term. He urged the union to exercise patience with the government as it works towards resolving outstanding issues, including the controversial withholding of university staff salaries. The Minister acknowledged that while ₦50 billion had been allocated for the Earned Allowance backlog in 2023, the funds were not carried over to the 2024 budget, creating financial strain for university staff nationwide. However, he reassured SSANU that the government remains committed to addressing this issue.

Additionally, the Minister revealed that ₦300 billion has been earmarked for the Needs Assessment initiative, which aims to revamp infrastructure and academic standards across Nigerian universities. The initiative is part of broader efforts to tackle the structural and financial challenges that have plagued the nation’s higher education sector.

|SSANU President Commends Minister, Calls for Urgent Action on FUOYE Crisis|

In his remarks, Comrade Ibrahim praised the Minister’s proactive engagement with the union, particularly his reversal of the minimum entry age policy for universities and the reintroduction of history into the national curriculum. He also lauded Dr. Alawusa’s dedication to reconstituting the 2009 FG/SSANU renegotiation committee, a move aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of university staff.

However, the SSANU leader shifted the focus to the crisis at FUOYE, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention to prevent further victimization of staff and students. He highlighted the growing concerns over the culture of intimidation, misuse of power, and suppression of academic freedom under the current university administration.

Comrade Ibrahim urged the Minister to ensure that the university management is held accountable for the numerous allegations leveled against it, warning that failure to act decisively could further destabilize the institution and erode trust in the Nigerian university system. He stressed that protecting university staff from targeted harassment and persecution is crucial to maintaining industrial harmony within the sector.

|Minister Pledges to Address FUOYE Crisis, Strengthen Collaboration with SSANU|

Responding to SSANU’s concerns, Dr. Alawusa assured the union that he would personally look into the FUOYE matter, promising to ensure that fairness and justice prevail. He emphasized that no university administrator is above scrutiny, and any leader found guilty of misconduct will face the appropriate legal and institutional consequences.

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship with SSANU and other university unions, stressing that sustainable reforms in the education sector require partnership, transparency, and a commitment to ethical governance. He also reiterated that protecting the rights and welfare of university staff and students remains a priority for the Ministry of Education.

|A Call for Accountability and Justice in FUOYE|

The ongoing FUOYE crisis has sparked widespread calls for a full-scale independent investigation into the allegations against the Vice-Chancellor and other key officials. Stakeholders within the university system, including SSANU, have insisted that only a transparent and impartial inquiry can restore normalcy and protect the integrity of the institution.

The Minister’s assurance of intervention signals a potential turning point in the FUOYE saga, but many observers believe that actions, not just promises, will determine the resolution of the crisis. As SSANU and other concerned parties continue to demand justice, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of FUOYE and reinforcing accountability within Nigeria’s higher education sector.

The meeting between SSANU and the Ministry of Education marks a significant step toward addressing pressing concerns in the university system, with both parties pledging to work together to ensure a more transparent, fair, and effective governance structure in Nigerian universities. However, whether this commitment translates into tangible action remains to be seen.