A nine-man panel has been constituted by the Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) to look into the allegation of sexual harassment against the institution’s Vice Chancellor,, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.

A statement signed by the Registrar of the University and Secretary of Council, Mufutau Ibrahim, said the decision was taken by the Council at its emergency meeting held on Friday, 24th January, 2025.

It noted that online outfits, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) and Sahara Reporters published a series of audio tapes alleging that the Vice-Chancellor sexually harassed Engr. Mrs Folashade Adebayo, a deputy director, of works in the University.

It further stated that “The Governing Council extensively discussed the issues and observed that the Federal University Oye-Ekiti has been in the news lately for the wrong reasons and that the negative stories are obscuring the remarkable achievements of the University.

“The Council consequently set up a nine-member committee to investigate the allegations thoroughly and get to the root of the matter, within three weeks.”

The panel has as its terms of reference, the mandate to investigate the source of the viral audios recording alleging the immoral moves by the Vice-Chancellor and the purchase of the positions of the Bursar and Registrar; investigate the motive behind the recording and how the recording gained currency in the social media.

Also, the committee is saddled with the responsibility of investigating the allegations of Engr. Adebayo, particularly the allegation of immoral advances against the Vice-Chancelor as well as review all previous actions and efforts by the police, the immediate-past chairman of Council and others at unravelling the allegations made by Adebayo against the Vice-Chancellor.

It is also required to investigate any other matter relating to the allegations.

“The Council hopes to consider the report of the committee at its next meeting scheduled for 3rd week of February, 2025,” it stated.

The Council, in the meantime, encouraged members of the University community and the public to remain calm and focused, expressing its determination to do justice while pledging that “there will be no sacred cows.”