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FUOYE VC suspended over sexual harassment allegations

Published

2 weeks ago

April 15, 2025

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The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has been suspended by the university’s Governing Council following serious allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by a senior official of the institution, Engr. Folasade Adebayo.

According to a report by SaharaReporters, the suspension came after the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, intervened in the matter, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Council’s initial recommendations which reportedly ignored the substance of the harassment allegations and instead advised the complainant to apologise to the Vice-Chancellor.

A source disclosed: “The minister was very angry with the decision of the council. He was unhappy that the council tried to sweep the sexual harassment complaint under the carpet and rather told the complainant to apologise. He called the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), to register his displeasure.”

In response to the minister’s strong opposition, Senator Ndoma-Egba swiftly convened an emergency online meeting of the Governing Council at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 14, 2025. During this meeting, the Council resolved to suspend Prof. Fasina.

However, sources within the meeting revealed that Prof. Fasina pleaded with the Council to allow him to proceed on his accumulated leave instead of facing a formal suspension. The Council eventually granted this request, approving six months of leave.

“You know, as a Vice-Chancellor, if you wish to end your tenure early, especially within six months to the end of your term, you are permitted to proceed on your accumulated leave,” the source explained. “Although Fasina’s tenure is due to end in August, the Council has now asked him to proceed on that leave effective immediately.”

This decision was later confirmed through an official press statement issued by the university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mufutau A. Ibrahim. The statement read:

“The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) at its 7th Emergency Meeting held online on Monday, 14th April, 2025, considered the request of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, to proceed on his accumulated Annual and Research Leave and approved six (6) months, being 126 working days out of his total entitlements of 228 days with effect from today, Monday, 14th April, 2025.”

The statement further announced that Prof. Samuel Olubunmi Shittu, a Professor of Soil Science and the incumbent Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor.

“In addition, the Governing Council appointed Prof. Olubunmi S. Shittu, the incumbent Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, who is also the most senior of the three (3) Deputy Vice-Chancellors, as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University for a period of six (6) months with effect from today, Monday, 14th April, 2025.”

The suspension of Prof. Fasina has sparked strong reactions within Nigeria’s academic community, with many calling for a transparent and thorough investigation into the allegations. Stakeholders and rights groups have also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure justice is served and to reinforce institutional safeguards to protect whistleblowers and victims of harassment in Nigerian universities.

News

WASTEFULNESS! Bauchi Gov appoints 168 political aides

Published

6 minutes ago

April 30, 2025

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The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appointed 168 political aides, saying that the move was to “strengthen” the government machinery.

The Governor’s Media Adviser, Mukhtar Gidado, in a statement Tuesday morning, said that the appointments are spread across principal special assistants, senior special assistants, special assistants, and personal assistants.

Five of the appointees are principal special assistants on political and community relations, one principal special assistant on pension matters, 60 are special assistants on political and community relations, one senior special assistant on labour matters, 38 special assistants on political and community relations, and 63 personal assistants (PA) on political and community relations.

Gidado said that the appointments are part of the Governor’s ongoing efforts to ensure greater inclusion, enhance service delivery, and foster a government that reflects the diverse interests and aspirations of the people of Bauchi State.

“The newly appointed aides, who are largely former political office holders at the national, state, and local government levels, were selected based on merit, proven experience, and political background, as well as leadership capabilities, and are expected to inject fresh energy into the administration and support the Governor’s vision of a more responsive and effective government.

“Governor Bala Mohammed congratulates the appointees and urges them to see their appointments as a call to greater service. He emphasizes the need for dedication, loyalty, and a people-centered approach to governance as the administration intensifies efforts to deliver more democratic dividends to the good people of Bauchi State,” he said.

According to Gidado, Mohammed is confident that with the new appointments, the administration would be better positioned to consolidate on its achievements and build a legacy of good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

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Infrastructure: Kalu Builds New Classrooms, Roads, Boreholes In Bende Communities+PHOTOS

Published

11 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Communities in Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, are beginning to see visible signs of change as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu recently launched a series of public infrastructure projects.

The initiative, which began on Friday, took Kalu across three key wards Bende, Itumbauzo, and Uzuakoli, where he formally opened a number of completed facilities. These include blocks of classrooms, administrative offices, rehabilitated roads, and new boreholes.

Bende Constituency, one of the largest in the country with 13 wards, has long grappled with infrastructure gaps. The newly delivered projects are seen as part of a broader effort to close those gaps and raise the standard of living in the area.

Residents say the projects are already making a difference in both school attendance and ease of movement between villages. Many hope this momentum continues in the months ahead.

In the educational sector, the commissioned projects were the reconstruction of 3 classrooms block with 2 offices at Okopedi Community Primary School in Itumbauzo ward; construction of 3 classrooms block with an office at Etitiulo Primary, Bende; reconstruction of 3 classrooms block with 2 offices at Bende Secondary Grammar School; reconstruction of 4 classrooms block with 2 offices at Central School, Bende and reconstruction of 3 classrooms block with 2 offices at the same Central School, Bende; reconstruction of 3 classrooms block with 2 offices at Community Primary School, Bende, all in Bende Ward.

Similarly, on roads infrastructure, the projects commissioned were 2 kilometer, Ndiokorieukwu road; one kilometer Bende market-Amaogwu-Agbomiri ring road and 800 meters Okputong-Ndiekeugo road, all in Bende Ward.

In Uzuakoli Ward, the Deputy Speaker also commissioned the newly constructed 6 classrooms block with 2 offices and conveniences at Uzuakoli Boys Secondary School and reconstruction of 4 classrooms block at LG Amamba/Agbozu Primary School.

On road projects, Kalu also commissioned the construction of 1km Okwu-Amuhie road, 2km Ihemba road in Uzuakoli Ward and solar-powered industrial borehole at Amamba, all in Uzuakoli Ward.

Speaking at the events, Kalu told his constituents that the projects were made possible by the support of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led federal government which made the funds available.

He said that the commissioned projects will have a significant impact on the residents of Itumbauzo, Bende and Uzuakoli Wards.

The Deputy Speaker added that the new classrooms and offices will provide a conducive learning environment for students, while the roads will improve accessibility and facilitate economic activities.

Kalu also called for continued support for President Tinubu, assuring the people of more democracy dividends.

He said “Education got me where I am today. If I didn’t go to school, I won’t have the opportunity to be standing before you. Education is important. That’s why I want the next generation to also go to school. I want them to be comfortable while in class. We must do everything possible to help people in rural areas to go to school. President Bola Tinubu is trying. He has pumped in a lot of money into education, the highest since the creation of Nigeria. I want you to continue to support this government that has done and still doing so much for Nd I Igbo and Nigerians in general”.

The residents of the areas in their reactions expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for the projects, describing them as a game-changer for the communities.

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Deputy Speaker Leads Defection of PDP Stalwart Chris Igwe, 13,000 Followers to APC In Abia

Published

12 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of 2027 general elections, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has received Chief Chris Odinaka Igwe into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Umunneochi Local Government of Abia State.

Igwe, popularly called Chris Nak is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mainland Oil and Gas Limited.

A former influential member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Igwe defected to the APC with over 13,000 followers who are also members of Chris Odinaka Igwe Friends Club (CFC).

Other defectors are 27 PDP Ward Chairmen who collapsed their structures into the APC, pledging their unwavering loyalty to Kalu’s visionary leadership.

The new members of the ruling party said that Kalu’s impactful legislative works, particularly the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) were their driving force to join the APC.

Speaking at the reception that held in Isiochi, the country home of the oil magnate, on Monday, Kalu commended Igwe for his decision to connect with the centre, saying that the people of Umunneochi local government area will not regret the move.

Accompanied by the Abia State Chairman of APC, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, the Deputy Speaker added that the defectors have automatically become members of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a structure he recently unveiled for the reelection bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said: “Chief Chris Igwe and I have been friends for a long time. We have been in politics for a long time also. We were together in one political party before but he left for another one. But nevertheless, we have continued to be good friends since them. I like him for his sincerity and love for his people. He has a good heart. He loves God too. Whatever you give him for Ndi Isiochi must surely get to them. In fact, he will even add his own. He’s doing well in his business, well known around the country.

“I welcome you to our great party, the APC. The decision you took is a commendable one. Chief Chris is a business man. He’s comfortable but he has taken this decision for his people to bring them into the mainstream politics. The people of Umunneochi will reap the benefits. So, on behalf of the national chairman of the party and the State Chairman his representing, we are handing over this broom. I welcome you to Renewed Hope Partners. You are now members of this group.

“We have seen that the broom is not enough to go round. It shows that too many people from Isiochi are desirous of joining APC. Thirteen thousand people today are joining APC. Thirteen thousand members of CFC. We welcome all of you to this big family of APC.”