Students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) under the aegis Progressive FUOYE Students Forum (PFSF) have declared their full support for the leadership of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina.
The students declared their support for the Vice Chancellor of the 14-year-old fastest growing university in Nigeria in a press release issued on Wednesday.
They described the call for his suspension due to a sexual harassment allegation against him as unjust, baseless and unacceptable.
The declaration of solidarity for the FUOYE VC by the students was made in a press release tagged “The malicious press conference convened by National Female Students Association of Nigeria led by Lady Comrade Choice Uche-nna Enebeli.”
The students noted that demanding Prof. Fasina’s suspension was premature and capable of undermining the ongoing efforts of FUOYE Governing Council’s investigative committee constituted to look into the said allegation.
The press release by the Progressive FUOYE Students Forum reads in full : “We, the Progressive Students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), hereby issue this counter press release in response to the statement made by the National President of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria (NFSAN) in Abuja, titled ‘Press Release by the National Female Students Association of Nigeria NFSAN on the Lack of Accountability in Sexual Harassment Cases in Our Tertiary Institutions, Especially the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
“While we acknowledge the importance of addressing issues of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, we strongly condemn the malicious and unfounded allegations made in the NFSAN press release.
“The statement, which calls for the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fashina, is not only premature but also undermines the ongoing efforts of the University Governing Council’s investigative committee.
“We wish to state the following :
“Respect for Due Process :
The University Governing Council has already set up a committee to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment.
“As responsible students, we believe in the rule of law and due process.
“The committee must be allowed to carry out its duties without interference or external pressure.
“Any call for the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor before the conclusion of the investigation is unjust and counterproductive.
“Malicious Intent : The NFSAN press release appears to be driven by ulterior motives rather than a genuine concern for justice.
“It is unfortunate that such a sensitive issue is being politicized and used to tarnish the reputation of our institution and its leadership.
“We urge NFSAN to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could incite unrest and division among students.
“Support for the University Leadership : We stand firmly behind the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fashina, and the University Governing Council.
“We have confidence in their commitment to upholding the integrity of our institution and ensuring that justice is served.
“The call for the Vice-Chancellor’s suspension is baseless and unacceptable.
“Commitment to Justice : We, as concerned students, are committed to ensuring that all cases of sexual harassment are thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable.
“However, this must be done through proper channels and in accordance with the law.
“We will not tolerate any attempt to use this issue to destabilize our university or malign its leadership.
“In conclusion, we call on all stakeholders, including NFSAN, to allow the investigative committee to complete its work without interference.
“We also urge the public to disregard the malicious allegations in the NFSAN press release and to support the efforts of the University Governing Council in addressing this issue.
“We remain committed to the progress and development of our beloved institution and will not allow anyone to undermine its reputation or the peace we enjoy as students.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
