Abuja, Nigeria — Di National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) don hold protest for Thursday demanding say di Federal Ministry of Education go intervene sharp-sharp for di serious management crisis wey dey happen for Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), wey dey Ekiti State. Di protest join NANS and di National Association of University Students (NAUS) to block activities for di Federal Ministry of Education for several hours, as di protesters carry placards and dey chant ‘Fasina Must Go’.
Di National Public Relations Officer of NANS, Comrade Samson Adeyemi, tell newsmen say dem go continue to occupy di Ministry until Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, respond to di serious management crisis for FUOYE. E explain say di crisis don dey worsen because of sexual harassment allegations against di Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and say dem dey protect sexual offenders while dem dey silence di victims.
Adeyemi talk say di management crisis escalate after dem suspend a lecturer, Dr. Ngozi Ole, alongside leaders of di Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) wey stand against di allegations. E add: ‘At di center of dis protest na di disturbing case of Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia, wey be staff for di Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, wey dey represent wetin no dey ok with unchecked academic power.’
“Dr. Agbegbedia sexually harassed a female student and deliberately failed her after she refuse to submit to im immoral demands. When di matter come light, her script bin don dey re-evaluated by an external panel, and she still pass well. Instead of punishing di predator, di Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, dey protect am and even promote am. Dis na not just abuse of power; e dey betrayal of trust and violation of di moral sanctity of education.’
Adeyemi continue talk say dis issue no be isolated case. ‘Our independent investigations don reveal say we get a broader culture of rampant sexual harassment, intimidation, and victimization of female students and staff, especially by people close to di VC, including Dr. Agbegbedia. Dem dey protect sexual offenders and dey silence di victims, plus dem dey wrongfully dismiss staff wey expose di wahala.’
Di spokesperson for NANS also emphasize say dem go occupy di Federal Ministry of Education, di National Universities Commission (NUC), and di National Assembly every week until dem see action. ‘Dis protest don start, we dey demand justice. We go no rest until di Minister take bold and irreversible steps to fix dis wahala,’ Adeyemi state.
Dem don lay down di demands wey no dey negotiable: immediate dismissal of Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina; immediate suspension and investigation of Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia; establishment of independent investigative panel to review all cases of sexual harassment; legal protection for whistleblowers; and full audit of di university finances by credible anti-corruption agency.
Adeyemi emphasize say di Nigerian student community go continue to push until justice dey done. E call on civil society organizations, human rights groups, di media, and every Nigerian of conscience to support di cause, talking say di time don reach to rescue FUOYE and protect Nigerian students.
