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FUOYE SUSPENDS DIRECTOR, DEPUTY DEAN AND SUG PRESIDENT OVER ALLEGED EXTORTION
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)’s campaign against corruption and extortion has claimed its first victims with the suspension of two members of staff and the Students’ Union Government President, Mr James Iyanuoluwa Adio for allegedly engaging in the extortion of students.
The two members of staff – Mr Olanrewaju Patrick Ogunjobi, Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Dr Banji Rildwan Olaleye, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Support Services – were accused of extorting students through the unauthorised collection of N1,000 from each 100-level student. The levy was purportedly for practical sessions under the Directorate.
In a statement signed by the Registrar, Mr Mufutau A. Ibrahim, Management revealed that it received a petition from an official of the Students’ Union Government alleging the extortion of students through the unauthorised collection of N1,000 from each 100-level student of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. The collection was said to have been made in respect of practical sessions.
“In the interest of fairness and in accordance with the principles of natural justice, Management constituted a Preliminary Fact-Finding Committee to look into the allegations,” the Registrar said.
“All persons mentioned in the petition were invited to appear before the Committee. They were duly questioned and given the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them.
According to Mr Ibrahim, with respect to Mr Ogunjobi, the Committee found that he allegedly authorised and collected the sum of N1,000 from each affected student without recourse to the Senate, Management, or the university’s extant directives that all payments must be made through the Bursary and with the approval of Management.
In the same vein, Dr Olaleye was allegedly found to have participated in the unauthorised collection by assisting the Director in the process, notwithstanding his position within the Student Affairs structure of the university.
Dramatically, the President of the Students’ Union Government, Mr Adio, was said to have been indirectly involved.
It was alleged that he participated in the sharing of an initial sum and later demanded the return of
funds, resulting in the transfer of N700,000 into his personal bank account.
Management described these alleged sharp practices as antithetical to its ongoing campaign against corruption and extortion, leading to the suspension of the three individuals pending full disciplinary proceedings.
The Registrar stressed that Management would not tolerate any act capable of undermining the university’s rebranding efforts and image.
“Management wishes to reiterate its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and discipline within the university.
“The university will not tolerate the extortion of students, abuse of office, financial impropriety, or corruption in any form,” Mr Ibrahim stated.
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