The management of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has suspended two top officials of the institution and a students’ union leader over the alleged extortion of students.
Mufutau Ibrahim, the university’s registrar, identified the affected officials as Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, director of the directorate of educational technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship; Banji Rildwan Olaleye, deputy dean of student affairs and support services; and James Iyanuoluwa Adio, president of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).
According to the registrar, Ogunjobi and Olaleye were accused by a petitioner of extorting students through the unauthorised collection of N1,000 from each 100-level student. The levy was allegedly for practical sessions under the directorate.
“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,” Ibrahim said in a statement.
“With respect to Ogunjobi, the committee found that he allegedly authorised and collected the sum of one thousand naira from each affected student without recourse to the senate, management, or the university’s extant directives that all payments must be made through the bursary and with the approval of management.
“All persons mentioned in the petition were invited to appear before the committee. They were duly questioned and given the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against them.”
The registrar noted that Olaleye participated in the unauthorised collection by assisting Ogunjobi in the process, in spite of his position within the student affairs’ structure of the university.
Ibrahim added that Adio, who is the SUG president, was indirectly involved, noting that he allegedly 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 registrar said the alleged sharp practices are antithetical to the university’s ongoing campaign against corruption and extortion.
He added that FUOYE management would not tolerate any act capable of undermining the university’s rebranding efforts and image.
“The university will not tolerate the extortion of students, abuse of office, financial impropriety, or corruption in any form,” he said.
