The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has raised alarm over alleged intimidation and coercion of its members by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Fashina. The Union claims that Fashina, in collaboration with the university’s Registrar and Bursar, has been pressuring staff to sign a document that discredits SSANU’s national stance.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 13, 2025, SSANU described the actions of the FUOYE management as a deliberate attempt to undermine the union’s position and suppress the legitimate concerns of university staff. The statement also alleged that the Vice-Chancellor and his team had been using threats of punitive measures to force staff members into compliance.
“Professor Abayomi Fashina, along with the Registrar, Bursar, and other unethical elements, is trying to force SSANU members across various units and departments to sign a yet-to-be-drafted document aimed at disavowing the position of the SSANU National body,” the statement reads. “The Bursar, Mrs. Bolanle Debo-Ajagunna, has been particularly aggressive in threatening staff under her supervision to sign this document.”
The union claims that Fashina’s actions have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation on campus. SSANU accuses the Vice-Chancellor of targeting staff members with harassment and victimization over the past year. The statement suggests that these actions are part of a wider effort by Fashina to maintain his position at the university, even at the expense of staff welfare and institutional integrity.
SSANU’s National Vice President, Comrade Dr. Abdussobur Olayiwola Salaam, called the Vice-Chancellor’s actions “not only criminal, but a deliberate attempt to undermine the collective will of our union and suppress the legitimate concerns of staff.” The union has called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant authorities to intervene and hold Professor Fashina accountable for what they describe as “bullying tactics” aimed at silencing staff dissent.
In the statement, SSANU also voiced concerns over the role of FUOYE’s governing council, alleging that the council has compromised its position by failing to intervene in the ongoing dispute. According to SSANU, the council’s reluctance to take action is linked to its “incestuous relationship” with the Vice-Chancellor. The union further accused the university’s management of shielding Fashina from scrutiny over various alleged ethical violations, including accusations of sexual harassment and financial misconduct.
“The Council, which should have taken a neutral and corrective stance, has clearly shown its compromised position,” the statement continues. “Instead of addressing the serious allegations against Fashina, the biased and compromised Council seems to be covering up for him, enabling his abuse of power.”
This latest development adds to the long-standing tension between university management and staff. SSANU’s accusations highlight a growing rift at FUOYE, where workers have reportedly endured prolonged periods of mistreatment, intimidation, and disregard for their rights. The union’s call for intervention is a response to what it considers a systemic failure to address the staff’s grievances and provide a fair working environment.
In addition to its condemnation of the Vice-Chancellor’s actions, SSANU has called for solidarity from well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the broader labor movement. The union is rallying support to resist what it describes as “tyranny” from the FUOYE administration.
“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,” the statement read. The union further urged its members to stand firm in the face of threats, stressing that they should not be intimidated into betraying the union’s national position.
The situation at FUOYE reflects wider tensions within Nigerian universities, where issues of workers’ rights, academic freedom, and leadership accountability are often contentious. In recent years, university staff unions have regularly clashed with management over issues such as salaries, working conditions, and autonomy.
SSANU’s allegations come at a time when university staff are already grappling with the effects of poor funding, delayed salaries, and inadequate working conditions. Many unions, including SSANU, have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the treatment of academic and non-academic staff in Nigerian universities. The struggle for better welfare and rights has often resulted in strikes, protests, and other forms of industrial action.
In this case, SSANU’s accusations against Fashina reflect broader concerns about university governance in Nigeria. The union’s stance against the Vice-Chancellor’s alleged behavior underscores the ongoing battle for better working conditions and fair treatment of staff. If the allegations are proven to be true, it could have serious implications for Fashina’s continued tenure as FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor.
The union’s public outcry is likely to intensify the scrutiny on FUOYE’s administration, placing pressure on both the university management and the government to act. The Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), and other stakeholders in the education sector may now face calls for a thorough investigation into the claims of intimidation, financial misconduct, and ethical violations leveled against Fashina.
SSANU’s call for intervention also raises important questions about the role of university governing bodies in ensuring accountability and transparency. The union’s accusation that FUOYE’s governing council is complicit in shielding the Vice-Chancellor from scrutiny suggests a larger issue with governance structures at some Nigerian universities. The failure of university councils to act in the best interests of staff and students has been a recurring problem in the country’s higher education system.
As the situation continues to develop, both the university community and the public will be watching closely to see how FUOYE, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant authorities respond to the allegations. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of university leadership and staff relations in Nigeria.
