The management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has suspended three officials, including the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), over allegations of unauthorised collection of money from students.
Those affected are the Director of the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Mr Olanrewaju Patrick Ogunjobi; the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Support Services, Dr Banji Rildwan Olaleye; and the SUG President, Mr James Iyanuoluwa Adio.
The university announced the suspension in a statement issued by its Registrar, Mr Mufutau A. Ibrahim, who said the action followed allegations that some officials collected money from students without approval from the university authorities.
According to the statement, management received a petition from an official of the Students’ Union Government alleging that newly admitted students were compelled to pay N1,000 each for practical sessions organised under the Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The petition alleged that the money was collected from 100-level students outside the institution’s approved payment procedures.
Following the petition, the university management set up a Preliminary Fact-Finding Committee to investigate the allegations and determine whether there was a case to answer.
“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 stated.
The university explained that all the individuals named in the petition appeared before the committee and were given the opportunity to defend themselves and respond to the allegations levelled against them.
After reviewing the submissions and evidence presented, the committee reportedly made findings that led to the suspension of the three officials pending a full disciplinary process.
According to the university, Mr Ogunjobi was alleged to have authorised and collected the N1,000 levy from affected students without obtaining approval from the university Senate or management.
The institution further stated that the collection was not carried out through the university’s official payment channels.
Management also accused Dr Olaleye of participating in the collection process despite his position as Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Support Services.
As a senior official responsible for student welfare and discipline, the university said the allegation against him raised serious concerns.
The SUG President, Mr Adio, was also alleged to have been indirectly involved in the matter.
According to the statement, he allegedly participated in the sharing of an initial amount realised from the collections and later requested the return of money.
The university claimed that the development resulted in the transfer of N700,000 into his personal bank account.
“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,” the statement said.
The university stressed that the suspensions were not a declaration of guilt but a temporary administrative measure pending the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.
The affected officials are expected to face further investigation through the institution’s established disciplinary mechanisms.
FUOYE said the decision reflects its determination to uphold transparency, accountability and ethical conduct within the university community.
The management noted that it has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, extortion and abuse of office.
“The university will not tolerate the extortion of students, abuse of office, financial impropriety, or corruption in any form,” the registrar said.
“Management wishes to reiterate its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and discipline within the university.”
The development has generated discussions among students and education stakeholders, especially at a time when many families are struggling with rising living costs and increasing educational expenses.
In recent years, concerns have grown over the issue of unauthorised charges in some tertiary institutions across the country. Students and parents have repeatedly complained about unofficial levies allegedly imposed outside approved tuition and administrative fees.
Education advocates have argued that such practices place additional financial burdens on students and undermine public confidence in educational institutions.
As a result, university authorities are increasingly under pressure to ensure that all fees paid by students are transparent, officially approved and properly accounted for.
The allegations at FUOYE come against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and anti-corruption agencies to promote accountability in public institutions.
However, they also highlighted the importance of allowing due process to take its course and ensuring that all parties receive a fair hearing before final decisions are taken.
Founded in 2011, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti is one of Nigeria’s newer federal universities and has grown rapidly in student population and academic offerings over the years.
The institution has built a reputation as one of the leading federal universities established during the expansion of access to tertiary education. Maintaining that reputation, stakeholders say, requires firm action against any conduct capable of tarnishing the university’s image.
For many students and parents, the outcome of the investigation will be closely watched.
Beyond determining the culpability or innocence of the suspended officials, the case also highlights the need for stronger oversight, effective internal controls and greater awareness among students about approved payment procedures.
As the disciplinary process unfolds, FUOYE management insists that its priority remains protecting students from exploitation and preserving the integrity of the institution.
The university said it remains committed to ensuring that justice is served in line with established regulations, while reaffirming that corruption and extortion have no place within its academic environment.