TENSION IN FUOYE AS YOUTHS PROTEST, DEMAND VICE-CHANCELLOR’S REMOVAL

The protest, led by the Ekiti State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and the Association of Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (ASNYC), saw scores of demonstrators storm the university’s main gate carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enough of corruption in FUOYE,” “Moral decay under Prof. Fasina is killing our morale,” and “President Tinubu, suspend FUOYE VC now.”

Addressing journalists during the protest, the NYCN State Chairman, Comrade James Bankole, accused the university management of financial mismanagement and administrative irregularities.

“We have uncovered massive corruption, moral decadence, and abuse of power under the current university leadership. This institution, which once stood for excellence, is now drowning in scandals,” Bankole alleged.

The protesters listed several demands, including the immediate suspension of Prof. Fasina and Senator Ndoma-Egba, a forensic audit of the university’s finances since 2021, and an independent probe into alleged cases of sexual harassment and moral misconduct on campus. They also called for the suspension of the ongoing vice-chancellorship selection process pending a transparent investigation.

The demonstration caused temporary disruption of academic and administrative activities, as protesters blocked the university’s main entrance, preventing vehicular movement and access to some offices.

However, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the university distanced itself from the protest, describing it as an “external interference.” In a statement, the SUG warned that only authorised student bodies could lead campus demonstrations, stressing that the university should not be destabilised by outsiders.

“We caution those behind this protest to desist. The SUG is not part of this and will resist any attempt to drag students into politically motivated agitations,” the union said.

As of press time, neither the university management nor the Governing Council had officially responded to the allegations or the protesters’ demands. Efforts to reach the university’s Public Relations Officer and the Vice-Chancellor’s media aide, Dr. Wole Balogun, were unsuccessful.

The situation has sparked concern among staff and students, with fears that the tension could escalate if the issues are not swiftly addressed.

Observers say the protest reflects growing frustration among youths and stakeholders over alleged corruption and poor leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The NYCN has vowed to sustain its protest until the Federal Government intervenes and its demands are met.