A prominent legal practitioner has sharply criticized the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) for dismissing allegations of sexual harassment against its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, calling the decision a "gross miscarriage of justice." The lawyer has also demanded an independent investigation into the matter to ensure transparency and accountability.
The allegation, which surfaced in late March, was made by a female staff member of the university, who accused Professor Fasina of inappropriate behavior during a professional engagement. The university's administration, however, swiftly dismissed the claim, stating there was "no credible evidence" to support the allegation.
In a public statement, the lawyer representing the accuser condemned the university’s handling of the case, saying the swift dismissal was a violation of the rights of the complainant and a failure to protect individuals from sexual harassment within academic institutions. The lawyer further emphasized the need for a comprehensive, independent investigation to uphold the principles of justice and transparency.
“The dismissal of such a serious accusation without a thorough, independent inquiry is both alarming and unacceptable. The university’s actions undermine the efforts to combat sexual harassment on campuses and expose the complainant to further harm,” the lawyer stated.
The lawyer is calling for the establishment of an independent committee, separate from the university’s internal structures, to conduct a fair investigation into the matter. This, they argue, will restore confidence in the institution's ability to handle sexual harassment allegations appropriately and send a strong message about the seriousness of such claims.
The controversy surrounding the dismissal has sparked public outcry, with students, alumni, and various civil society groups calling for justice. Advocacy groups have rallied behind the accuser, stressing that sexual harassment should not be tolerated, regardless of the accused's position.
“The credibility of our educational institutions hinges on their ability to deal with allegations of this nature in a fair and unbiased manner. The failure to do so not only damages the reputation of the university but also erodes public trust in the systems meant to protect individuals from abuse," the lawyer added.