FUOYE Fires Back: University Dismisses Sahara Reporters’ Allegations as ‘Scandalous Lies’

Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent Sahara Reporters article, labeling it “scandalous lies” and “malicious write-ups.” In a statement signed by Registrar Mufutau Ibrahim, the university defended the integrity of its Pro-Chancellor, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, and substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, insisting the institution is thriving and free of the crises alleged.

Key points from FUOYE’s response include:

1. The publication is laced “with outright falsehoods,” offering “not even a shred of evidence” to back its weighty allegations.
2. The claim that Ndoma-Egba “deliberately suppressed staff appeals to Council, including those with genuine cases,” and acted on instructions from Prof. Fasina, was described as “not only false but a calculated attempt to further cause confusion and blackmail the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.”
3. FUOYE emphasized that Council, not the Pro-Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor, handles recruitment for non-teaching Directors, and that the appointment of Deans is by faculty election. “In any case,” the statement reads, “the posting of non-career Directors … was handled based on existing laws and regulations.”
4. The statement questioned the logic behind Sahara Reporters’ inference that allowing the Procurement Officer to conclude ongoing assignments amounted to contract racketeering or procurement irregularities.
5. FUOYE clarified that recent eligibility adjustments—such as requiring 10 years of professorship for Vice-Chancellor—are in line with the Education Minister’s policy, and noted parallel practice by peer institutions like Federal University Lokoja and Ekiti State University.
6. The university affirmed the presence of a “Peace and Reconciliation Committee” that addressed over fifty staff complaints satisfactorily and that the supposed “suppression of staff appeals” claim is unfounded.
7. Prof. Fasina was stated to be on accumulated research leave in the United States—not suspended. Sahara Reporters’ suggestion otherwise was “totally false.”
8. All current contracts predate Senator Ndoma-Egba’s arrival in January, refuting claims of his involvement in procurement decisions.
9. Far from distracting from achievements, the university urged detractors to “desist from tarnishing the good name of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti” and join in its development.
10. On the sexual harassment saga involving Engr. Mrs. Folashade Adebayo, the statement emphasized that multiple investigations—including police, Council, and Pro-Chancellor committees—reached the same conclusion, and noted that the matter remains sub judice.

FUOYE also demanded an apology and immediate retraction from Sahara Reporters, warning that legal action could follow if the outlet fails to comply.

Supporting documentation

Sahara Reporters’ August 18, 2025 article alleged that:

• Senator Ndoma-Egba and Prof. Fasina “manipulated recruitment processes and altered regulations to favour loyalists”—including compiling a “preferred list” for key positions, violating the University Establishment Act and other service guidelines.
• Appointments for Director roles ignored the required five years of experience as Deputy Director, breaching the Scheme of Service.
• The VC eligibility criteria changed from eight to ten years of professorship to sideline strong contenders.
• Staff appeals were suppressed, and Council interfered in Acting VC Prof. Shittu’s administrative authority—including redeployment decisions.
• Allegations of collusion in procurement and contract racketeering, defying Public Procurement Act roles.
• The VC was said to have avoided suspension by being granted N128 million leave, and sexual harassment accusations remained unresolved, with the complainant pressured to recant.

Conclusion

FUOYE’s official statement issued August 19, 2025 strongly refutes every claim made by Sahara Reporters, defending its governance, processes, and reputation with specific, point-by-point rebuttals. Sahara Reporters’ article, in FUOYE’s view, is unsubstantiated sensationalism rather than journalism.