EXPOSED: Shadowy Audit and Alleged Cover-Up Rock FUOYE: Why the Federal Government Must Intervene Now

By Akin Akinsoluga

OYE-EKITI — Tensions are mounting at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) following revelations of what many now believe to be a coordinated effort to manipulate financial investigations tied to the administration of Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, the Vice Chancellor currently on controversial and allegedly manipulated leave.

At the center of the storm is Jubril Olawale Lawal & Co., a private auditing firm reportedly handpicked by Prof. Fasina during his tenure. The firm’s presence on campus has ignited widespread concern over potential conflicts of interest, as sources allege that Jubril Olawale Lawal, principal of the firm, maintains a personal relationship with Prof. Fasina and was appointed under his direct influence nearly three years ago. The contact detail (08033376825, 08084669021) of the firm was contacted but there was no response. Other individuals reported to be at University including Lawal Jubril Olawale are Benjamin Omonayajo and FCA J.O among others 

Their ongoing audit of the university’s finances, initiated independently of university leadership, is taking place against the backdrop of serious allegations of financial mismanagement during Prof. Fasina’s administration.

Notably, a separate audit was carried out by officials from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation between April 15th and 18th, 2025, covering the university's financial activities from January to December 2024. Insiders confirm that this audit uncovered substantial financial irregularities, sparking deep concern within the federal audit team.

Even more alarming are unconfirmed reports suggesting that FUOYE’s management attempted to bribe the auditors with N10 million, while the auditors allegedly demanded between N15 million and N20 million to suppress their findings. Although the details of this exchange remain murky, the implications are deeply troubling.

As if that were not enough, the Acting Vice Chancellor of FUOYE was reportedly unaware of the presence or activities of Jubril Olawale Lawal & Co. on campus. University sources confirm that resources are being used to fund this audit, yet the acting leadership has no knowledge of who authorized it, nor has been briefed on its purpose or scope. This suggests a shadow operation within the university, completely detached from formal administrative channels.

Worryingly, this is not the first time suspicious audit activity has been reported at FUOYE under Prof. Fasina’s administration. Several accounts point to repeated interventions by individuals posing as auditors from the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation since 2021. In each case, insiders suspect attempts to influence the financial narrative and sanitize the records.

More recently, concerns have also emerged regarding efforts to compromise members of the official federal audit committee. According to sources, some individuals aligned with the previous administration have offered incentives to members of the audit team in a bid to sway their reporting. There are warnings that those orchestrating this alleged manipulation have a long history of turning on collaborators, and any official who allows themselves to be compromised should be prepared to be exposed by the very hands that fed them.

The sources stated that given the mounting evidence and the implications for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public institutions, it is time for decisive action. We strongly call on the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Federal Ministry of Education and National Universities Commission (NUC)…to immediately relocate their investigative teams to FUOYE and conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of all financial activities under Prof. Fasina’s leadership.

This is not merely about FUOYE; it is a test case for the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating corruption in Nigeria’s higher education sector. The current situation represents a clear and present danger to accountability, governance, and public trust.

Let it be known that no audit can be valid if it is carried out under the influence of those it is meant to investigate. A compromised audit process is not only a miscarriage of justice, it is a betrayal of the Nigerian people.

They urge all well-meaning stakeholders, students, staff, civil society groups, and anti-corruption advocates to raise their voices and demand transparency.

If this moment passes without action, the consequences will ripple far beyond the gates of FUOYE!