By CHIDI MATTHEW NWACHUKWU

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has accused the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fashina, of intimidating and coercing its members into signing a document that disclaims the Union's national position.

According to SSANU in a statement, the Vice-Chancellor, along with the Registrar and Bursar, has been threatening staff members with severe consequences, including punitive measures, if they refuse to sign the document.

“It has come to our notice that Professor Abayomi Fashina, with the connivance of the Registrar, Bursar and other unscrupulous and unprincipled elements are trying to compel SSANU members across various units and departments to sign a yet-to-be-drafted document aimed at disclaiming the position of the SSANU National body.

"We note that the Bursar, Mrs. Bolanle Debo-Ajagunna has been most vehement in this action of threatening staff under her supervision to sign this letter,” the statement read.

In the same statement released on Sunday, the 13th of April, 2025, the National Vice President of SSANU, Comrade Dr. Abdussobur Olayiwola Salaam, through the Zonal Secretary, Hamzat Fajoye Oyelere, and copied to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, and the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Union described the VC’s action as "not only criminal, but a deliberate attempt to undermine the collective will of our union and suppress the legitimate concerns of staff."

SSANU claimed that Fashina has subjected staff members to an atmosphere of fear, victimization, and undue harassment for over a year now, alleging further that the Vice-Chancellor's actions are a desperate bid to shield himself from accountability and cling to his position, even at the expense of staff welfare and industrial harmony.

“Ordinarily, the Council which should have intervened, has clearly shown its compromised position because of its incestuous relationship with the Vice Chancellor. No effort is being spared by the compromised and biased Council to cover Professor Abayomi Fashina from the case of sexual harassment and serial financial and ethical infractions he has perpetrated in the university,” the statement read.

SSANU condemned the Vice-Chancellor's actions in the strongest terms and called on the Federal Government, Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), and other stakeholders to intervene and call the Vice-Chancellor to order.

The Union further urged its members and staff of FUOYE to remain resolute and not succumb to the threats.

“We will not allow the rights of our members to be trampled upon by an overbearing and desperate Management. SSANU remains committed to protecting the welfare of its members and ensuring justice and fairness in FUOYE.

“We call on well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the labour movement to stand with us in resisting this tyranny,” the union said.