Education
THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has commenced investigation of the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Prof Abayomi Fasina, over alleged sexual harassment of a married woman.
The commission said he would be invited next week for questioning.
The invitation followed a petition written to the commission by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, and received on Monday, January 27, 2025.
The signatories to the petition include Gender Mobile Initiative, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Education as a Vaccine, BIGIF, BraveHeart Initiative and Hope Behind Bars.
They underscored the importance of the case, describing it as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to eradicating gender-based violence and fostering accountability in public institutions.
Representatives.
The petition described the alleged actions of the VC as a “gross abuse of authority, contravention of institutional ethics and a violation of Nigeria’s legal frameworks on workplace harassment and gender-based violence”.
The CSOs expressed lack of confidence in the panel constituted by the Governing Council, given the biases running through its terms of reference.
The petitioners demanded a thorough and independent investigation by the ICPC into the allegations, protection and support for the victim, including legal, psychological and social assistance.
Other demands include a review of FUOYE’s internal policies on sexual harassment and the implementation of systemic reforms, as well as legislative oversight by relevant Senate and House Committees to address institutional failures in handling sexual harassment cases in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The signatories to the petition expressed confidence in the ICPC’s ability to ensure justice and urged all stakeholders to prioritise transparency and fairness in addressing the case.
They called on the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission, NUC, to strengthen its anti-harassment frameworks and protect victims of workplace abuse.
A.I
Jan. 28, 2025
Tags: ICPC Prof Abayomi Fasina
