National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olumide Olusegun |
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the management of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) to reinstate its chapter chairman, Mr. Benjamin Faleye, and secretary, Mrs. Ayomikun Aluko, who were recently suspended.
The officials were suspended after signing a communiqué during an association meeting on November 24, 2024, accusing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, of “sexually harassing and victimising university staff members.”
In a letter dated December 9, 2024, and signed by the university’s Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, the allegations were described as “unsubstantiated.”
The letter stated, “In line with the Regulations Governing the Conditions of Service of Senior Staff in the University, the Governing Council has directed that your appointment be suspended with immediate effect, pending the determination of the case against you.”
In response, SSANU National Vice President (West), Dr. Abdussobur Salaam, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended officials to prevent further escalation. Speaking during the SSANU Western Zone Congress held at FUOYE on Monday, Salaam urged the university’s Governing Council, chaired by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, to take a conciliatory approach.
“We implore the council to do the needful within the shortest time possible; otherwise, the union may be compelled to escalate this matter beyond the confines of this university,” Salaam stated.
He emphasised that Faleye and Aluko acted on behalf of the union, adding, “We call on the management and council of FUOYE to immediately cease all disciplinary procedures against the SSANU chairman and secretary. As far as we are concerned, their actions were in line with union responsibilities.”
Salaam also appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to act in good faith, warning that continued antagonism could further tarnish the institution’s image.
He stressed the importance of resolving the issue peacefully to maintain industrial harmony.
SSANU has warned that failure to reinstate the officials could lead to broader actions, hinting at possible disruptions across Nigerian universities if the situation remains unresolved.
